Greg Walden

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 150th anniversary of the treaty signing between the Tribes of middle Oregon and the United States on June 25th, 1855. I will have the honor this weekend of celebrating this historic agreement with the Tribes at the Warm Springs Reservation. This historic agreement has been the guiding document between the Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and the United States government for 150 years. The Wasco, Taih, Wyam, Tenino, Dock-Spus Bands of the Walla Walla and The Dalles Ki-Gal-Twal-La and the Dog River Bands of Wasco have called the Middle Columbia River home since time immemorial. As we near the anniversary of this Treaty, I would like to share with my colleagues some of the rich history of the Treaty. On June 25th, 1855 near what is now The Dalles, Oregon, these bands and tribes finalized negotiations with Superintendent for Indian Affairs of Oregon Territory Joel Palmer and agreed to cede over 10 million acres of land that became most of Central Oregon from the east side of the Cascade Mountains up to the middle of the Columbia River and over to the Blue Mountains. For the past 150 years, the Tribes of Warm Springs have had a strong government that has been successful in preserving their traditional cultural ways and providing for the well being of their members, homelands, and future generations. Today, The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have over 4,000 enrolled members and the Tribes operate almost all their own programs and services including their own tribal public safety department which includes tribal police, courts, and justice, as well as medical and fire response, utilities, infrastructure, social services, housing and education among other programs. In addition, the Tribes lead the way nationally and within Indian Country for managing their vast reservation lands and resources. The Tribes co-operate a large hydroelectric project, manage their large timber resources, operate their own sawmill, and is pursuing innovative endeavors in creating energy from biomass production of wood products. In addition, they help manage their Treaty-entrusted fishing resources. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs in the United States Congress and have enjoyed working on many projects important to the Tribes and the people of eastern Oregon. Whether it has been working with the Tribes on legislation authorizing the 408-megawatt Pelton Round Butte hydroelectric project near Madras or partnering with them to help site their future casino in Cascade Locks, I have had the pleasure to work with the honorable people of The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. As Chairman of the House Resources Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, and co-author of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, I have also had the good fortune to work on issues that will assist the Tribes in managing their own lands. In June of this year I was pleased to announce that Warm Springs Forest Products Industries received a $250,000 grant through the U.S. Forest Service's Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program which was authorized in the Healthy Forests legislation. This grant program creates markets for small-diameter material and low-value trees removed from hazardous fuel reduction activities and helps organizations and businesses turn hazardous fuel reduction material into marketable forest products and energy resources. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to share with you and my colleagues the rich history of The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and look forward to continuing our productive working relationship in the years ahead.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of two patriots who have made tremendous sacrifices as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom to help preserve and expand the liberty that we all hold dear. Sergeant Johan Christian Bagge of Eugene and Second Lieutenant Timothy Bomke of Portland are members of the National Guard from my home State of Oregon. They were called to active duty with Alpha Company of the Third Battalion of the 116th Cavalry and conducted training exercises at Ft. Polk, Louisiana and Ft. Bliss, Texas before transferring to Iraq at the end of last year. I had the honor of meeting with many of the citizen soldiers who comprise Alpha Company when I visited both forts during their training. Since that time they conducted regular mobile infantry missions to secure dangerous areas of Iraq and to help Iraqis rebuild their country after decades under Saddam Hussein's ruthless regime. On the morning of June 3rd they were traveling in a convoy toward Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk as part of a road clearing mission when, without warning, two separate roadside bombs detonated, damaging two of the three vehicles in the convoy and injuring ten of the soldiers. Both Sgt. Bagge and Lt. Bomke sustained severe wounds in the attack and were transferred back to the United States for further treatment. They were brought to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC briefly to begin their recoveries and have since been relocated to Brooke Army Medical Center and Ft. Lewis. From conversations with family and friends, I understand that these soldiers have maintained extremely positive attitudes throughout their ordeals even as they've undergone a series of significant medical procedures. Mr. Speaker, these two men exemplify the honorable character of the men and women who have answered duty's call throughout our Nation's history. Their willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country is a clear demonstration of the courage and professionalism that distinguish our armed forces. This grateful Nation owes these men and their compatriots in arms who serve around the world every day a profound debt of gratitude. I am proud to call Sgt. Bagge and Lt. Bomke fellow Oregonians, I thank them for their service and I wish them both a healthy recovery. God bless America.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic action of one of our brave soldiers serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Brandon Sabetti of Mosier is a member of the National Guard from my home state of Oregon. He was called to active duty with Alpha Company of the Third Battalion of the 116th Cavalry and conducted training exercises at Ft. Polk, Louisiana and Ft. Bliss, Texas before transferring to Iraq at the end of last year. I had the honor of meeting with many of the citizen soldiers who comprise Alpha Company when I visited both forts during their training. Since that time he conducted regular mobile infantry missions to secure dangerous areas of Iraq and to help Iraqis rebuild their country after decades under Saddam Hussein's ruthless regime. On the morning of June 3rd, he was traveling in a convoy toward Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk as part of a road-clearing mission when the vehicle in which he was riding was struck by a roadside bomb. Spc. Sabetti, the gunner and designated combat lifesaver in his vehicle, was sitting in the open turret at the top of the Humvee and was ejected upon impact. He immediately got back on his feet and began triaging his wounded companions--dressing their wounds and administering intravenous fluids. He quickly ran to the second vehicle in the convoy to report the injuries and share the need for a quick medical evacuation. He jumped into the third Humvee, which was pulling into position to provide security to the injured when a second bomb detonated, destroying that vehicle as well. Undaunted, Sabetti again went to work administering medical care to those wounded in the second attack and assisting in their evacuation after additional support arrived. Sabetti's heroic courage under fire and willingness to attend to the needs of his comrades despite risk to himself was central to ensuring that none of the ten Oregon Guardsmen injured in the attack lost their lives. Mr. Speaker, this young man exemplifies the honorable character of the men and women who have answered duty's call throughout our Nation's history. His willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country and his fellow soldiers is a clear demonstration of the courage and professionalism that distinguish our armed forces. This grateful Nation owes Spc. Sabetti and his compatriots in arms serving around the world every day a profound debt of gratitude. I am proud to call him a fellow Oregonian and I thank him deeply for his service. God bless America.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I rise today in honor of a dedicated public servant and inspirational teacher, Mr. Merle Saunders, on his induction into The National Teachers Hall of Fame. Mr. Saunders teaches Automotive Technology at Vale High School in Vale, Oregon, a rural town of approximately 1,000 located in eastern Oregon. This tremendous honor is well-deserved and I am proud to recognize him for this achievement. One of only five individuals nationwide to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, Mr. Saunders has been recognized for his 25 years educating students in Vale. During his career, he has received numerous awards, including six teacher-of-the year awards, from organizations such as AAA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Vale Chamber of Commerce and the prestigious Milken Family Foundation. His excellence in instruction extends beyond the walls of Vale High School's classrooms. The school's automotive troubleshooting team, which Mr. Saunders advises, has won 14 State championships and has received several national trophies. Mr. Speaker, great teachers possess a valuable combination of intelligence, talent, patience and a genuine compassion for their students. The mission of The National Teachers Hall of Fame is to ``recognize and honor exceptional teachers.'' They have accomplished this with the induction of Mr. Saunders. I would like to formally thank him for his service, commitment and dedication to young people at Vale High School and congratulate him on the receipt of this prestigious honor. He is an inspiration to his students, his colleagues and to us all.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very able district staff member, Kathy Olson, who is leaving our employ at the end of the month. There is not one of us in this esteemed body who fails to appreciate what a key role our staff members play in helping us to serve our constituents. As you know, people often seek our assistance when all else has failed. By the time they reach their Member of Congress, they are frustrated, discouraged, and sometimes angry. It is always heartening when we can intervene to solve those serious and longstanding problems. Often, it takes a tremendous amount of knowledge and research to find the one key that will enable us to resolve an issue for a constituent. With her high level of knowledge and understanding, Kathy is an unqualified expert on Social Security and Medicare. Through her keen intellect and tireless work ethic, Kathy has garnered a sound grasp of the most complicated of issues. I not only value her for the unselfish assistance that she has provided my constituents, but I also rely heavily on her expertise and counsel in dealing with Social Security and Medicare issues. Kathy has taken constituent service to a high level of excellence. Although her professionalism and mastery of the issues are indeed outstanding, it is her inherent goodness and concern for others that has made her so effective. Kathy begins every case with a sympathetic ear and a sincere desire to help ease the pain for those who call my office. There are countless examples that demonstrate her effectiveness, but the one that resonates most with me was when an agency referred a homeless and destitute woman to me who had exhausted all alternatives. In her eighties, this constituent had no Social Security benefits because she had no record of her birth. She didn't know her real name. She didn't know who her mother and father were. She spent a life of being dependent on abusive people who manipulated her. She had lived a life of hopelessness, and her declining years promised only more despair. After months of frustrating research and chasing down tenuous leads, Kathy found the woman's identity and established a case that qualified her for benefits that would allow her to live the rest of her life in relative comfort and free of fear. Although the woman was deeply grateful for having a life of misery put behind her and a sense of hope restored, she was most appreciative of the photo of her mother that Kathy found during her exhaustive research. The woman had never seen a picture of her mother. Kathy not only assisted in giving her a life of dignity, she was able to give her a sense of self that most of us take for granted. Kathy's demonstrated ability to work well with others and to get things done led me to ask her to take on an extra load to manage my academy selection process. She already had a very full agenda, but she cheerfully took on the new task and made many valuable improvements in how I select nominees. My selection committee consists of retired military officers with the ranks of major, colonel, captain, and general; men who expect top performance. Each member of the selection committee has shared with me their admiration of Kathy's professionalism and enthusiasm in coordinating a very complicated process. After almost six years of serving constituents in the Second Congressional District of Oregon, both for my predecessor, Congressman Bob Smith, and for me, Kathy has chosen to leave the office to devote more time to her family. Her husband, Brian, and daughter, Alyssa, have been most understanding as Kathy's demanding job has taken so much of her time. They are rightfully proud of the great work that she has done and very pleased to have her able to spend more time with them in the near future. Mr. Speaker, I am indeed sad to see Kathy Olson leave our team. Her unselfish service has helped countless families in the Second Congressional District over the years, and it is only fitting that she now devote full attention to her own. As you can tell, Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the great and unselfish work Kathy Olson has done on my behalf, but I am most proud to join many, many others in calling her a friend. I know that I reflect the feelings of all of her fellow staff members in wishing her continued success and happiness.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty between the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the United States Government. I am proud to represent the people of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Congress and am always warmly welcomed when I visit the reservation. Mr. Speaker, since time immemorial, the people of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation have lived on the Columbia River Plateau. Specifically, their homeland is the area now known as northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. The Umatilla Tribes currently have over 2,446 tribal members who continue to care for and live on the land of their ancestors. On May 28, 2005, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla will gather to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the treaty they signed with the United States Government. For the members of the Umatilla tribes this is an opportunity to remember and honor their ancestors who signed the treaties and to educate their youth and the public about these important documents. I think it is fitting as we near the anniversary of this treaty to share with my colleagues a little bit of the history of the treaty signing. For nearly three weeks in late May and June of 1855, thousands of Native Americans from the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Tribes, along with the Nez Perce, Yakama and some bands of the Colville, all convened in the Walla Walla Valley, Washington Territory for a historic treaty council. During this three-week period the tribes met and negotiated with Washington Territory Governor Isaac Stevens and Superintendent for Indian Affairs of Oregon Territory Joel Palmer. The agreement that came from this three-week negotiation has been the guiding document between the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla people with the United States Government for the past 150 years and thus the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, Yakama, and Nez Perce Reservations were created. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to note that the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation have a long history of strong leadership and continue to preserve their traditional cultures and languages. Their leaders were among the most influential negotiators at the Treaty Council 150 years ago and today the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla are regarded as outstanding leaders within Indian Country. Their leadership and innovative economic endeavors help lead the way in eastern Oregon and in Indian Country. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation determine their own futures through successfully operating a wide range of their own services and almost all of their Federal programs, including health services, housing, education, police and fire protection, tribal courts, natural resources management and protection, fisheries, administration, and economic development and employ over 1000 people in the region. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent what is today the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and it is an honor to work closely with them to help improve their futures and the futures of all eastern Oregonians.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the courageous men and women being honored on June 1, 2005 by the Oregon Mountain River Chapter of the Red Cross's inaugural Real Heroes ceremony in Bend, Oregon, which I will be honored to be part of. These men and women set themselves apart through selfless acts of heroism and kindness toward others. I would like to share the stories that depict their unwavering commitment to their fellow citizens and their calm and collected action in the face of great challenge. Mr. Speaker, Matthew Zedwick is one of the many courageous men and women who have served our country in Iraq as a member of the Oregon National Guard. On June 13, 2004, his quick action under pressure saved the life of his comrade, Sgt. Sean Davis. Sgt. Zedwick was driving a Humvee when two roadside bombs exploded near his convoy. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, Sgt. Zedwick dragged Truck Commander Sgt. Davis safely from a burning vehicle and then returned to the vehicle under heavy enemy fire in an attempt to retrieve the body of Spc. Eric McKinley, who had been killed in the blast. While he was unable to retrieve Spc. McKinley, he was able to retrieve a radio and call for help. His quick thinking and courage under fire saved his own life and the life of Sgt. Davis. For his actions, Sgt Zedwick became the first Oregon National Guardsman since World War II to be awarded the Silver Star medal and a Purple Heart for his valor. Jordan Bilyeu is another hero who endured the devastation of the Tsunami that struck the Indian Ocean in December of 2004. While vacationing in the Phi Phi Islands, off the shore of Thailand, Jordan was swept up in the water that unexpectedly came crashing toward the beachgoers. Jordan clung to a palm tree while riding out the worst of the Tsunami and eventually was swept into the third story of a nearby hotel. During this ordeal, Jordan was able to assist in the rescue of a woman who lost her legs who had also been pulled into that hotel room, and worked to assist others who had been injured in this tragic natural disaster. Mr. Speaker, in Deschutes County we owe thanks to several heroes for their quick action at work. On September 13, 2003, Al Ewing's, Corky Metteer's, Tim Wiley's, and Adam Carpenter's emergency efforts saved the life of Stu Martinez when he lapsed out of consciousness. Stu's colleagues quickly ran to his rescue and performed CPR techniques until medical help could arrive. These employees at Wilderness Garbage in La Pine were prepared to react after taking critical life saving and CPR classes administered by the Oregon Mountain River Chapter of the Red Cross one month before. Deschutes County District Attorney Mike Dugan is another hero who helped avert another tragic accident on the job and saved the life of a young boy in the Deschutes County Courtroom. When a young child started choking on a large piece of candy, District Attorney Dugan rushed to assist the child and used an abdominal thrust technique to dislodge the candy from his throat. The entire episode took only a few seconds, but it is an act that this young child will remember for the rest of his life. Kathleen Krahmer is a hero whose day-to-day efforts impact the lives of many in her community. On May 23, 2005, Kathleen donated her 57th pint of blood, for an astonishing total of more than seven gallons of blood donated to the Red Cross. Not only is Kathleen a blood donor, but every winter she knits hats and donates them to local schools or to the Bethlehem Inn, a homeless shelter in Bend. This, Mr. Speaker, is just the beginning of her service to others. She is actively involved in the Sparrow Club, an organization that helps critically ill children, and has helped collect money for the Tsunami Relief program. As a teacher she is an inspiration and exemplary example to her students and her fellow citizens and has shown that countless acts of kindness truly do make a significant difference. Mr. Speaker, the next individual I'd like to honor demonstrates that you can be a hero at I any age. Spencer Brennan has already made a significant impact on those around him at the age of 14 and I'm sure that his tradition of helping others will continue for many years. As a young child Spencer fell very ill, but he battled back to overcome his illness and never gave up during his most difficult challenges. Now, he works for the benefit of other children as a 'volunteer for the Sparrow Club. For the last two years, Spencer has worked to raise money for the Sparrow Club and to support other children who face medical crisis. For his service, he was awarded the prestigious ``Dameon Award'' for his compassion, courage, character and conscience. The next hero I would like to highlight, Kim Meeder, is an individual who has worked very hard to make a difference in the life of troubled teens, abused kids and adults across Oregon and our nation. The work being done by Kim and her husband Troy at the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is tremendous. Kim has helped pair abused and neglected horses with troubled individuals seeking solitude and comfort. The ranch gives these individuals a place to rekindle their spirits and recover from the problems of their past. Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by talking about a collaborative effort in central Oregon that provides medical coverage for those without coverage. Since opening just over a year ago, the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has completed approximately 5,000 free examinations in Deschutes County. Three of these volunteers have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Dr. Tom McGranahan, a retired anesthesiologist, has worked over 600 hours assisting doctors and training others in the use of new electronic medical records while serving as the clinic's resident computer expert. Cindy Cocanower, an area pharmacist, has utilized her expertise so the organization can provide medications at little or no cost to VIM patients. She has donated over 200 hours of her time and expertise and spent countless hours working on similar endeavors outside the clinic. Sharon Lichti, a retired college professor, has been the lead volunteer charged with training dozens of new volunteers since the opening of the clinic. The contributions of these individuals have provided medical coverage for many uninsured individuals throughout central Oregonian, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Mr. Speaker, the individuals being honored on June 1 demonstrate that each of us can be a hero in our community and we are grateful for all that they've done and continue to do.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of the dedication of Medford, Oregon's Veterans Park Memorial to pay special tribute to the members of the Veterans Park Memorial Committee of Jackson County and the many area volunteers whose time and effort have made this event possible. I am proud to represent these distinguished Americans in Congress, and recognize not only their tremendous work to make this park a fitting memorial to the many brave patriots who have served our great Nation, but also for each of their years of military service. In 1919, on a small plot of land just south of Medford, a young man named Paul Rynning planted a maple tree in memory of a friend who had been killed in World War I. After that first tree was planted, others soon followed, each dedicated to the memory of a World War I soldier who had given his life for the cause of freedom. In 1958, Jackson County deeded the park to the City of Medford and on Memorial Day, in 1986, it was officially proclaimed Veterans Park. Later that year the Veterans Memorial Committee was incorporated with the goal of completing the memorial that had been started so humbly 67 years earlier. For the past 19 years, local veterans service organizations including the Non Commissioned Officers Association, the Disabled American Veterans, the Fleet Reserve Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Korean War Veterans Association, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Merchant Marine Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, the Marine Corps League and the Navy League, along with individual volunteers and public and corporate sponsors, have pulled together, donating thousands of hours of their time and hundreds of thousands of dollars to make this memorial a reality. The fruit of their labor is this memorial that recognizes the services of all our Nation's veterans--from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism and from all of the Armed Services. On May 29th, 2005, the citizens of Jackson County dedicate the Veterans Park Memorial and laud the volunteers of the Veterans Park Memorial Committee who have, through their untiring efforts and devotion to their cause, brought their 19-year dream to reality. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be part of this celebration and I will continue to do all I can in Congress to express my gratitude to the brave patriots who've preserved the freedoms we all enjoy.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Timberline Lodge on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary under the management of the Kohnstamm Family and their business, RLK & Company, and to commemorate the important historical events that have contributed to the lodge's status as one of the great landmarks in Oregon. Timberline Lodge is a National Historic Landmark and treasure of Oregon that provides abundant recreational activities on Mt. Hood and the Mt. Hood National Forest, providing Oregonians and Americans alike with a special place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. As I commute each week from my home in Hood River to our nation's capital city, I am warmly greeted by the sight of Mt. Hood and thus frequently reminded that Timberline Lodge is a very special place in our very special country. 100 years ago the U.S. Forest Service was established by President Teddy Roosevelt to maintain and sustain the diverse, healthy, and productive management of our national forests. Since its establishment in 1905, the U.S. Forest Service has been an integral part of the history of Mt. Hood and Timberline Lodge. Timberline Lodge sits 6,000 feet above sea level on Mt. Hood, the tallest mountain in Oregon at 11,235 feet above sea level. Mr. Speaker, the lodge itself is a testament to the trials and tribulations that our nation faced during the Great Depression. It can be seen as a symbol of our strength and resolve, as well as a past generation's struggle to overcome adversity. President Franklin D. Roosevelt commissioned the construction of Timberline Lodge in 1936, a project many at the time called the ``American Experiment.'' Through the Works Progress Administration, Roosevelt employed numerous craftsmen throughout the country who had fallen onto hard times during the depression. Over 500 people worked diligently for 15 months while battling the cold of the Cascades as they worked to construct the lodge by hand, even through the heart of winter. They did so with remarkable skill, style, and substance, and they did so very quickly and efficiently. In September of 1937, President Roosevelt opened the lodge to great fanfare. Today we see Timberline Lodge as a fantastic success story and a shining example of the self-determination that helped propel a nation and a generation from the hardship and difficulties we faced during the Great Depression. This was not always the case. There were times when it appeared that Timberline Lodge would not succeed. Soon after the dedication in 1937, it fell on hard times. Mismanagement and poor decisions by numerous operators left many wondering if the toils of the labor that went into the construction of Timberline Lodge would be left for future generations of Oregonians to enjoy. It was closed temporarily during World War II, and just 18 years after its inception the future of the lodge appeared bleak. Then a remarkable young man named Richard Kohnstamm arrived on the scene from New York City and brought hope and enthusiasm to the region, albeit with little experience in the hotel and lodging business. During his travels, Richard had seen how great lodges and castles were woven into Europe's cultural fabric and envisioned that Timberline Lodge could one day mean the same for tourists from all over the world in our beautiful state of Oregon. Through his creativity, perseverance, and steadfast entrepreneurship, he fulfilled the promise of the lodge and the plentiful recreational opportunities that were previously untapped. Not only did the Kohnstamm family repair the damages that existed at the time they first assumed management of Timberline Lodge and create a sense of permanent stability for it, they also established a world class tourist attraction and state of the art ski lift and trail system. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Timberline Lodge's management under the Kohnstamm Family and RLK & Company, I would like to highlight the tremendous job that has been done to make the lodge one of the premier destinations in the Pacific Northwest that all walks of life enjoy year round. The Kohnstamms are great hosts and great neighbors to all of us in Oregon, and to outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Oregonians are fortunate to have them as our neighbors.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues from Nebraska and around the country on a most important matter--Byrne Grant funding. I appreciate the leadership of Mr. Terry and Chairman Souder on this issue as well as the work done by my fellow members of the House Meth Caucus to ensure that the needs of state and local communities are being met. Byrne grants provide necessary federal resources that make possible enforcement and treatment programs undertaken by state and local governments to combat the illegal drug epidemic that is rampant throughout the nation, a plague that I've seen firsthand in communities throughout eastern, central and southern Oregon. Nowhere is the need for federal anti-drug resources more pronounced than in rural areas like Oregon's Second Congressional District, where entire communities struggle to cope with the proliferation of illegal substances and their devastating effects on families and communities. According to an assessment conducted earlier this year by the Oregon HIDTA office, reducing funding for these programs would reduce interagency cooperation and intelligence sharing between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The assessment also found that operations by local taskforces on the front lines in the fight against illegal drugs would decrease by 25 to 75 percent. Without the federal funds received many local drug taskforces in Oregon would have to severely curtail operations, reduce staffing levels or even cease operations completely. Given the threat posed to children, families and communities by illegal drugs, these efforts to control the drug problem must continue. I want to again state my belief that Byrne Grant funding should be maintained at its current level as the House Appropriations Committee prepares to allocate funds to this and other critical anti-drug programs in the coming year. The state of Oregon has historically received over $6 million in Byrne grants, a significant portion of which has been allocated to programs and projects in the Second District. Local task forces like the Klamath Interagency Narcotics Team, the Mid-Columbia Interagency Narcotics Task Force, the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team, the Jackson County Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Blue Mountain Narcotics Enforcement Team, which receives about one-third of its budget from Byrne Grants, would be devastated without continued support from federal anti-drug programs. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year I conducted a series of seven town hall forums focused on production, distribution and abuse of illegal drugs, particularly the runaway problem of methamphetamine. While traveling throughout the Second District I heard again and again about the importance of federal resources to the outstanding efforts being conducted by state and local enforcement agencies and treatment and prevention providers. While I realize that we are in a time of strict budget constraint I strongly support these efforts and I will continue to do all I can to ensure that the federal government honors its commitment to fight the scourge of illegal drugs in our communities.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment proposed by my colleague from Oregon. I only wish I had known in advance the gentleman was going to offer this amendment because it is specifically targeted toward my district, a tribe in my district, that is seeking to gain approval of a compact and take land into trust. Warm Springs Tribe is not a family of five that has gone out shopping somewhere in some other State for land. There are 4,400 tribal members who are suffering on the reservation. They have worked diligently with the communities involved. They have land in the Scenic Columbia River Gorge that is in trust and was in trust prior to the passage of IGRA, and it is on a hillside where they have plans where they could build, and they could do that today. But that land would scar the beauty of the Scenic Columbia River Gorge, which is my home and has been my home all of my life. This tribe, instead, looked to another area, and my colleague from Oregon suggests that the area they looked at is the crown jewel of the gorge. Mr. Chairman, this is port property zoned for industrial use, leveled out with dredge tailings from the construction of the second lock at Bonneville Dam, all right, as opposed to an area up on a side hill that is timbered and beautiful where they already have land. So they worked with the local community which supports them locating there. They reached a compact with the Democratic Governor in a long and protracted discussion. That compact is now before the Secretary. My colleague has on more than one occasion mentioned an acid rain study. We have looked at that, and he should know because we know it was done over a 4-month period one with readings at a little town in Wishram, Washington, during the winter when it is foggy in the gorge. So there is much more to that story that I will not get into today, but I suggest the gentleman take another look at that study. I grew up in the gorge. We are the wind-surfing, kite-boarding capital of the world. And in the summer, if you want to come and find where the wind blows, come to the gorge and enjoy the great recreational opportunities, and it blows from the west. The west is where the great urban center of our wonderful State is, where there are traffic problems and industrial problems; and I tell Members that because if there is a problem with pollution in the gorge, it is not coming from the east, it is coming from the west. So I urge Members to oppose this amendment. I think the chairman of our Committee on Resources has a much more prudent approach, to look at this issue on a broader scale, to see what is the best policy for this Nation to follow when it comes to dealing with these issues of tribal casinos on or off reservation. But to move an amendment like this with very little notice, if any, on an appropriations bill, I would dare say, is not appropriate. Point of Order

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment, and I certainly am one who is not in favor of the slaughtering of wild horses, but I am also as a fiscal conservative who is concerned about what happens along the way, because we are looking at a price of somewhere on the order of $20 million a year to take care of the horses that nobody wants to adopt right now. There are some 37,000 wild horses and burros roaming on BLM managed lands in 10 western States. That is 9,000 more than the carrying capacity of the land. In the few seconds I have left, I want to show my colleagues this photo. This is from Nevada. This cage was put over this grass, and this is what the wild horses have done all around it, in terms of what happens in a fairly wet area. You get into the dry areas, and they completely overrun the rangeland. What we need to do is, if there is a problem with someone violating the law, we need to put the criminal penalties back in so they can be prosecuted, but the BLM have said they will not issue any contracts that will allow for any slaughter. Taking away their ability to sell the wild horses, however, will create a huge fiscal burden to the Federal Government and the taxpayer and not allow us to properly manage these herds. So I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I rise today to convey my deepest appreciation to Sgt. Don Malarkey, Lt. Lynn ``Buck'' Compton and Vance Day, on the occasion of their trip to our Nation's Capital to share their stories, talents and leadership qualities with the Congress this evening. Don Malarkey and Buck Compton are highly decorated veterans of World War II. They served with the 101st Airborne Division's Easy Company throughout the Allied advance toward victory. Their distinguished service and that of their company were memorialized in Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers and the riveting Band of Brothers mini- series in which they were featured prominently. From their dramatic parachute drop behind enemy lines to secure German positions and reduce resistance to the amphibious D-Day invasion, to action in Holland, Bastogne, Germany, Austria and eventually Hitler's Eagle's Nest, they showed courage under fire, perseverance, personal sacrifice and compassion in the heat of battle. Both Don and Buck served with distinction during the war, and have lived extraordinary lives out of the service as well. I'm proud to claim Don Malarkey as a born and bred Oregonian. Born in Astoria in 1921, he volunteered for the ``Parachute Troops'' after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was an original member of Easy Company and served more consecutive days of combat than any other member of his unit. During his service he received a number of decorations including the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the service, Don went on to become one of the youngest elected county commissioners in Oregon's history. He later worked as a real estate consultant and broker and became a renowned lecturer who has spoken at the United States Military Academy at West Point and numerous locations in North America and Europe. He now resides in Salem, Oregon, with his wife Irene. Buck Compton was born in Los Angeles and attended UCLA where he played catcher on the baseball team with Jackie Robinson and was a starting guard in the 1943 Rose Bowl game. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant out of UCLA's ROTC program and went on to jump school at Ft. Benning, GA. He earned a Silver Star for bravery on D-Day for his role in the successful destruction of four 105 mm cannons, a Purple Heart after sustaining an injury in Holland, the America Defense Medal and World War II Victory Medal. After the war, Buck completed his law degree at UCLA then went to work in the Los Angeles County prosecutor's office where he convicted Robert Kennedy's assassin, Sirhan Sirhan. In 1970, Governor Ronald Reagan appointed him to the California Court of Appeals where he served until his retirement in 1990. He now lives in Mt. Vernon, Washington near his two daughters and their families where he provides weekly policy and political commentary on local radio. In addition to the decorations already mentioned, both Don and Buck were awarded the Combat Infantry Badge; Presidential Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster; European, African, Mid-Eastern Campaign Medal and the American Campaign Citation. Mr. Speaker, Don and Buck forged a fast and enduring friendship that helped them through day after day of combat and has kept them in close contact ever since. In fact, when Buck was injured by a German round, Don led the effort to drag him to the back of a tank and off the battlefield. Their continuing friendship is a testament to the adventures they shared and I'm pleased to welcome them today. I am also pleased to welcome their friend and mine, Vance Day, from my home state of Oregon. Vance has long been a friend with whom I've worked on many political issues of importance in the State. He is a former news reporter and historian who now is a partner at a law firm in Salem. It was Vance who first approached me about sponsoring this event, and I thank him for moderating the presentation today as he has at similar events around the country. In fact, due to his diligence, similar presentations are being held at the Heritage Foundation, Family Resource Council, and the White House during their trip to Washington, D.C. It is truly fitting that we are here with Don, Buck and Vance at this time, just days before the 60th Anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe, a day we are able to celebrate only because of the sacrifices made by men like Don, Buck and countless others of ``The Greatest Generation'' who stood in the face of tyranny to preserve the liberties we all hold dear. We owe them a profound debt of gratitude. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have helped bring these three gentlemen to Capitol Hill today. Don, Buck and Vance, thank you so much for sharing your time, your experience and your stories with us today.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, due to the short notice provided to Members with respect to rollcall 90, S. 686, relating to relief for the parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo, I was unable to return to Washington, DC from the West Coast in time for today's vote. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary commitment to service, community, and humanitarianism displayed by the members of Rotary International as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. One hundred years ago, a lawyer in Chicago, Illinois, embarked on an effort to create a professional club that captured the same friendly spirit he felt in the small towns of his youth; a club that would make service a priority, generosity a regular occurrence, and hard work a way of life. This idea was welcomed throughout the United States with clubs sprouting coast to coast within the first decade, and throughout the rest of the world with clubs forming on six continents by 1921. Today, Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders--individuals committed to humanitarianism, high ethical standards, and civic involvement. I have been a proud member of Rotary since October 1987, and while my work here in Washington, D.C. keeps me from attending all the meetings of my Hood River, Oregon club, I make every attempt to go when I am home. And as I commute home to Oregon each week from our Nation's capital, I am able to attend many meetings at clubs in the twenty counties throughout my sprawling district. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians in over 31,000 clubs located in 166 countries. And in the United States, there are nearly 400,000 Rotarians in more than 7,500 clubs. The Grants Pass Rotary, located in Oregon's beautiful Rogue Valley, is one such club. Founded in 1924, Grants Pass Rotary has celebrated over 80 years of dedication and service to the local community as well as the world abroad. Under the recent leadership of Georgette Brown, and her predecessors before her, the club has done a great deal for the area. Throughout the years, Grants Pass Rotarians have conducted projects with their dedication, time, energy, and resources. These projects have covered a variety of areas: recognition of students in middle and elementary school excelling in their academic endeavors; the initial funding and continued support of The Riverside West All Sports Park, a fabulous facility for all Grants Pass citizens and visitors to enjoy; the development of Morrison Centennial Park; the Grants Pass Rotary Invitational Track Meet held at Grants Pass High School, an event for students throughout the state and northern California; and events for foreign exchange students visiting America. Internationally, the commitment of Rotarians is as strong. With humanitarian and educational programs for communities in all parts of the globe, Rotary Clubs have made a difference in everything from disaster relief to the advancement of democracy. A major focus of Rotary International is the global eradication of polio, a goal that the organization hopes to meet this year. In 1985 they launched the PolioPlus program to protect children against the disease. Rotary, along with groups such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and various governments throughout the world, has achieved a 99 percent reduction in the number of polio cases worldwide. Their work and generosity has benefited youth, seniors, the impoverished, the disabled, the disheartened, and those devastated by disease, tragedy and natural disaster. I am proud to be a Rotarian and proud of the work that Rotary clubs throughout my district do on an ongoing basis. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to share with my colleagues the generosity and spirit of service that is exemplified by the members of Grants Pass Rotary. May those of us in the Congress pay special attention to the motto of this organization and conduct ourselves here in a manner of ``Service Before Self.''

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary commitment to service, community, and humanitarianism displayed by the members of Rotary International as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. One hundred years ago, a lawyer in Chicago, Illinois, embarked on an effort to create a professional club that captured the same friendly spirit he felt in the small towns of his youth; a club that would make service a priority, generosity a regular occurrence, and hard work a way of life. This idea was welcomed throughout the United States with clubs sprouting coast to coast within the first decade, and throughout the rest of the world with clubs forming on six continents by 1921. Today, Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders--individuals committed to humanitarianism, high ethical standards, and civic involvement. I have been a proud member of Rotary since October 1987, and while my work here in Washington, D.C. keeps me from attending all the meetings of my Hood River, Oregon club, I make every attempt to go when I am home. And as I commute home to Oregon each week from our nation's capital, I am able to attend many meetings at clubs in the twenty counties throughout my sprawling district. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians in over 31,000 clubs located in 166 countries. And in the United States, there are nearly 400,000 Rotarians in more than 7,500 clubs. The Bend Rotary, found in the heart of Oregon, is one such club. Founded in 1947, Bend Rotary is the longest running club in Bend and its members have helped establish the three other Rotary clubs that currently exist in the city--High Desert, Bend-Mt. Bachelor, and Greater Bend. Rotary International has the motto ``Service Above Self'' and they adhere to ``The Four Way Test'' of business ethics, a philosophy that encourages truth, fairness, goodwill and mutual benefit in all professional actions. These traits are evident in the projects Bend Rotary has supported over the years: the Alice Hatch Pre-School Playground, the Drake Park Pavilion, the Juniper Park Skating Rink and Pat's Park in Juniper Park, the Central Oregon Welcome Center Sign, the ``Tree of Joy,'' and the Barrance Honda Mexico Water Project. In the past, Bend Rotary has donated over 280 wheel chairs to a small town in Lithuania and has also raised over $100,000 to help refurnish a school kitchen in that country. Currently, Bend Rotary is working in conjunction with the other Bend area clubs on the completion of Rotary Centennial Playground to be located adjacent to Bend Senior Center in Bend. In the true Rotary spirit of service for all, this park has been designed with access and amenities suitable for kids and parents with special physical needs and is compliant with ADA standards. The 350 members of the four Bend area Rotary clubs have pledged both time and money, including 16 hours of volunteer labor per Rotarian and funds in excess of $150,000 to launch this worthwhile endeavor. A major focus of Rotary International is the global eradication of polio, a goal that the organization hopes to meet this year. In 1985 they launched the PolioPlus program to protect children against the disease. Rotary, along with groups such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children Fund, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and various governments throughout the world, has achieved a 99 percent reduction in the number of polio cases worldwide. Their work and generosity has benefited youth, seniors, the impoverished, the disabled, the disheartened, and those devastated by disease, tragedy and natural disaster. I am proud to be a Rotarian and proud of the work that Rotary clubs throughout my district do on an ongoing basis. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to share with my colleagues the generosity and spirit of service that is exemplified by the members of Bend Rotary. May those of us in the Congress pay special attention to the motto of this organization and conduct ourselves here in a manner of ``Service Before Self.''

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary commitment to service, community, and humanitarianism displayed by the members of Rotary International as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. One hundred years ago, a lawyer in Chicago, Illinois, embarked on an effort to create a professional club that captured the same friendly spirit he felt in the small towns of his youth; a club that would make service a priority, generosity a regular occurrence, and hard work a way of life. This idea was welcomed throughout the United States with clubs sprouting coast to coast within the first decade, and throughout the rest of the world with clubs forming on six continents by 1921. Today, Rotary International is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders--individuals committed to humanitarianism, high ethical standards, and civic involvement. I have been a proud member of Rotary since October 1987, and while my work here in Washington, DC, keeps me from attending all the meetings of my Hood River, Oregon club, I make every attempt to go when I am home. And as I commute home to Oregon each week from our nation's capital, I am able to attend many meetings at clubs in the twenty counties throughout my sprawling district. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotarians in over 31,000 clubs located in 166 countries. And in the United States, there are nearly 400,000 Rotarians in more than 7,500 clubs. Rotary International has the motto ``Service Above Self'' and they adhere to ``The Four Way Test'' of business ethics, a philosophy that encourages truth, fairness, goodwill and mutual benefit in all professional actions. These traits are evident in the projects that Rotary clubs through Oregon's Second District, the United States and the world have supported over the years: eradication of polio, tsunami and hurricane relief, aid to famine victims in Zimbabwe, international youth exchange, training for teachers of students with disabilities, humanitarian and educational grants, vocational service and local community projects such as building playgrounds and developing parks. These are just a few examples of the depth in service given by Rotarians around the world. A major focus of Rotary International is the global eradication of polio, a goal that the organization hopes to meet this year. In 1985, Rotarians launched the PolioPlus program to protect children against the disease. Rotary, along with groups such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and various governments throughout the world, has achieved a 99 percent reduction in the number of polio cases worldwide. Their work and generosity has benefited youth, seniors, the impoverished, the disabled, the disheartened, and those devastated by disease, tragedy and natural disaster. I am proud to be a Rotarian and proud of the work that Rotary clubs throughout my district do on an ongoing basis. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to share with my colleagues the generosity and spirit of service that is exemplified by the members of Rotary. May those of us in the Congress pay special attention to the motto of this organization and conduct ourselves here in a manner of ``Service Before Self.''

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw my colleagues' attention to the ``Flight of Friendship--A Journey To Save Jobs'', which is a heart-warming effort underway in the great state of Oregon. The Flight of Friendship is a people-to-people effort by individuals in Oregon who are coming together to provide an economic lifeline to people in Thailand who work in or are dependent upon the tourism industry for their livelihood. Tourism is recognized as one of the key industries in the tsunami-affected area that provides sustainable jobs and the one that can be jump-started by the return of tourists as in this Flight of Friendship. The Flight of Friendship's formal mission is an admirable one: In the aftermath of the catastrophic tsunami that struck South Asia on December 26, the natural reaction for us was to do something, anything, that would bring some measure of relief to those in the affected areas. We wanted to do something NOW because we have such a feeling of urgency. Many of us may not have the skills to rebuild communities or repair broken bones or care for orphaned children, but we do know that our humanity has a purpose. When we can take our time and provide a conduit for information and give face-to face support by traveling to those areas and help those who need to stay working, we know we are giving something that matters. We can help tell the world that these restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues are open and ready to receive visitors. Flight of Friendship will focus on cities and regions that depend on the tourist trade for economic survival. We hope that Oregon's lead and example will challenge others from around the U.S.--private citizens and the travel industry as well, to follow. We encourage people to visit these beautiful, intriguing places and extend an economic lifeline. Flight of Friendship is a journey to save jobs. Under the leadership of Oregonians Sho Dozono, Joe D'Alessandro and Elaine Franklin, over 100 business and political leaders from the state of Oregon will travel to Thailand this month in a significant effort to help re-establish that country's tourism industry and keep vital jobs in place. I would like to commend every person associated with the Flight of Friendship for his or her dedication to making a real difference.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I would respectfully request that today's Record reflect that I was in my home State of Oregon attending a longstanding official event when I learned of the vote relating to Mrs. Jones of Ohio's objection to the certified results of the Electoral College balloting in the State of Ohio and was unable to return to Washington, DC in time for today's vote. I would like the Record to reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as National Homecare and Hospice Month. National Homecare and Hospice Month is an opportunity to recognize the importance of homecare as an essential component of healthcare in the United States. While most of us formally recognize homecare and Hospice one month out of the year, individuals and families across our Nation that utilize these services realize the importance of homecare and Hospice each and every day. Homecare provides a family-friendly, clinically proven way of providing quality healthcare for millions of Americans and homecare has become an increasingly important part of our health care system. The highly skilled services that these caregivers provide have enabled millions of our most frail, older and disabled citizens to avoid hospitals and nursing homes and stay just where they want to be--in the comfort and security of their own homes. In a rural district, such as Oregon's Second Congressional District, which encompasses over 70,000 square miles, including two counties with no physicians, accessing healthcare service can be challenging. There are 23 homecare agencies serving the 20 counties of Oregon's Second Congressional District. In some parts of Oregon, homecare professionals are the only source of healthcare services. The tremendous dedication and compassion of these professionals truly deserves the recognition of November being named National Homecare and Hospice Month. The care they provide is truly invaluable and allowing individuals to remain in their homes and close to loved ones is priceless. Because homecare is so crucial to rural areas, I introduced the Medicare Rural Home Health Services Improvement Act (HR 4902). This bill would ensure that homecare providers that serve patients in rural areas will continue to receive a 5 percent add-on payment through 2007. This measure recognizes that the delivery of homecare services in rural areas is more costly because of the extra travel time required to cover long distances between patients. Longer travel times mean that rural caregivers have to devote more time to each patient and are also unable to make as many visits in a day as their urban counterparts. If the extra rural payment is not extended, agencies may be forced to turn away rural patients with the greatest care needs. Nationwide, homecare represents a family value and a value for families. It's about quality healthcare and quality of life for at least 8 million households across the United States. According to reports issued by the Medicare Payment Advisory Committee and other independent observers: Homecare for selected conditions can shorten inpatient hospital stays. Homecare can reduce the overall costs of care without compromising outcomes. Homecare can improve clinical outcomes including mortality. This improvement can be striking in degree. Homecare can improve functional independence and reduce the risk of institutional placement. For Medicare beneficiaries with selected conditions, formal homecare is the most cost effective strategy for achieving functional improvement compared to in-patient rehabilitation, nursing-home-based rehabilitation, and discharge to home without formal homecare services. Homecare is expected to grow in the years ahead because of several large-scale trends: The American population is rapidly aging. The 85-and-older group is the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. In the near future, advances in technology will allow virtually every service short of surgery to be delivered at home. Homecare does not require brick-and-mortar investments since it's provided at home. Homecare is a critical component of our healthcare delivery system; so today I join homecare patients and caregivers throughout the United States in celebrating National Homecare and Hospice Month.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this amendment. The Ninth Circuit represents 56 million people, or roughly one-fifth of our Nation's population. This is 25 million more people than the next largest circuit; 56 million people in one circuit. It encompasses 40 percent of the geographic area of the United States. Traveling across this much land mass wastes both time and money. The Ninth Circuit also has the most number of appeals filed and the highest percentage increase in appeals filed, the most number of appeals still pending, and the longest median time until disposition. This is an overworked, overstretched court. In addition, since the size of the circuit inhibits greater en banc participation by the entire circuit, the Ninth has adopted a practice that allows it to sit en banc with only 11 judges. This means the plurality of those 11, six judges, can effectively determine the case law for the circuit and the remaining 20 judges who serve. All of this leads to inconsistency in case law development and uncertainty among litigants. The outcome of cases in the Ninth are frequently determined more by the composition of a given three-judge panel, not by the law of the circuit as it has evolved. This is detrimental to the law-declaring role, one of a circuit's two primary functions, the other being to correct errors on appeal. Mr. Chairman, I commend the gentleman from Idaho who has worked tenaciously on this issue to try and bring about fairness in the distribution of the workload in the Ninth Circuit and to bring about fairness in terms of where these cases are heard. We heard from the gentleman from Montana about the need at least to have a judge come there and hear a case once in a while. I think the gentleman from California, if I heard right from the gentleman from Montana, the judge he cited moved to California in 1960 and never held a hearing in Montana. In effect, he became a Californian. Mr. Chairman, I support this amendment.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member of the committee and the committee chairman and subcommittee chairman for their work on this legislation. I want to thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Hastings), the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Nethercutt) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen) for joining me as cosponsors of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I represent pear country in the northwest, at least in the State of Oregon. In the great Hood River Valley and down in the Jackson Road Valley, Jackson County and elsewhere across my district, they grow tremendous, tasty pears, many of which find their way into special packages from Harry and David, among other companies. Our pear growers are trying to be innovative in terms of how they market their products. Many individual growers now are growing organic fruit, and many are taking it upon themselves to market their own products to the public, as opposed to necessarily going through big processors, although, obviously, the bulk of the fruit still is dealt with that way. But they are looking for new ways to bring value added to their products. The industry, therefore, is seeking to consolidate their promotional activity under a single Federal marketing order, and the current statute requires that any marketing order that assesses processing pears must have equal representation from producers and processors on its governing board, and yet the processors pay nothing into this process. So, as a result, they have come to us, the processors and the growers, and said, ``You know, why don't you change this law and let us go ahead and streamline how we operate.'' So this legislation does that. It removes the existing processor membership requirement, and the processors all support that. The change will pave the way for consolidation and allow producers alone to dictate how their funds will be used in pear promotional activities. The pear industry is united behind this. Each of the Pacific Northwest pear processors have expressed support for the changes. The Oregon, Washington and California State marketing commissions support it. Both Federal marketing orders are in support. The Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service, the nonprofit voluntary marketing board of the Northwest canned pear industry, supports it. And the Washington-Oregon Canning Pear Association, the nonprofit bargaining association, all support H.R. 2984. So, Mr. Speaker, I encourage the approval of this legislation. I look forward to having this written into law and having our pear industry be able to be more competitive in its promotional activities.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. I extend sincere condolences to my colleague, friend, constituent and fellow Oregonian, Senator Gordon Smith, sponsor of this act, and his family. It was exactly 1 year ago today that the Smith family was changed forever when Garrett Lee Smith took his life. As the father of a son myself, my heart aches for Gordon and Sharon, and the Smith family remains in our prayers. After Garrett's death, the Smith family's selfless dedication to shining the public spotlight on the tragedy of youth suicide and saving other families from the devastation of suicide is truly inspiring. Upon realizing that suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, Senator Smith identified gaps in our public health infrastructure and crafted a bill to assist States, localities, tribal communities and college campuses in establishing youth suicide prevention programs. These programs will include prevention screening, early intervention, management and education activities. Suicide is an unspeakable tragedy. However, the provisions of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act encourage young people to speak up about suicide, importantly to seek assistance when they are feeling hopeless or depressed, and to make sure they have access to trained specialists to help them make sense of the emotions that are overwhelming them. It also provides families and friends of at-risk youth with information and resources to support these very fragile people. There may be a misconception about this useful bill by some of my colleagues here in the House. Under no circumstances will this bill force parents to medicate their children as a condition of attending public school. In fact, it explicitly prohibits funds to be spent in such a way. Additionally, it does not allow schools to force children to attend school assemblies, undergo screenings for depression or receive treatment for depression without the written consent of a parent or guardian. It requires parental consent and involvement. The bill requires that States and entities receiving funding under this grant program shall obtain prior written informed consent from the child's parent or legal guardian for assessment services, school- sponsored programs, and treatment involving medication related to the youth suicide conducted in elementary and secondary schools. So there is a very important provision for parents to be involved. Prior requirements do not apply if it is an emergency, as the chairman talked about. This bill comes to the House floor as a result of delicate negotiation at the Member level and hard work at the staff level. I want to thank especially the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Barton) and the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) and others for facilitating this bill's swift movement to the floor. All of these gentlemen were gracious and worked closely with Senator Smith to ensure that the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act would be considered by the House on this very day. I encourage my colleagues to support the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. In closing, I echo the words of Senator Smith, my constituent. ``Suicide and attempts do not simply leave an impression on the individual's life, it leaves a deep impact on everyone who knows the person or a family member of that person. No family should experience the pain we have suffered and no child should suffer the challenges of mental illness alone.''

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to a wonderful company whose roots are deeply immersed in the history of southern Oregon and our nation. Harry and David, a mail-order food-gift company located in Medford, Oregon, is celebrating its 70th anniversary, a milestone that speaks to America's enduring fondness for Harry and David products and services. Well-known nationwide for their direct marketing of gourmet food and fruit gifts, the Harry and David Company is also known as a valuable member of the southern Oregon business community. Countless southern Oregon families have worked for Harry and David over the years and have helped shape their successful growth as a company. Mr. Speaker, over the years the Harry and David Company has expanded from its initial gourmet gift fruit offerings to include fine chocolates and confections, as well as baked goods, meats, snack foods and home decor items. Today Harry and David ships more than 7.5 million gifts each year, including a staggering 4 million packages during the holiday season. When you look back and consider the company's history, its accomplishments are even more impressive. After inheriting their father's Medford, Oregon, orchard in 1914, brothers Harry and David Holmes established a successful business shipping their signature fruit, the Royal Riviera Pear, to the grand hotels and restaurants of Europe. For 15 years, the brothers' business expanded as demand for their luxury fruit grew until the Great Depression impacted the market. Through extraordinary perseverance, the Holmes brothers pushed on and in 1934 built the foundation for the famously successful company we know today. Mr. Speaker, Harry and David has truly grown to become one of the crown jewels of Oregon, and I am proud to offer my congratulations to the Harry and David Company on its 70th anniversary. Oregon is fortunate to host such a magnificent enterprise, and I am confident the next 70 years will bring the company continued success.

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. I rise in opposition to the Udall amendment. I appreciate the gentleman's comments, though, about the need to have science involved in these decisions. Perhaps he will want to support my Sound Science for Endangered Species Act provisions that require precisely that, independent, National Academy of Science panel review of decisions to list or de-list endangered species because I think science does play a role and we ought to get it right. We ought to get it right here, too. I am glad that he has gone back 20 years and looked at the regulations from then, but they do not work now. They do not work because in a 15-year planning process under the Federal Forest Management Land Act, it takes 7 years of that 15 to come up with a plan on how to manage the forest. So you spend nearly half the time coming up with a plan. And then those who are concerned about costs, and we heard about it in the prior amendment, $7.5 million on average to do these plans. Seven years, $7.5 million and all the while if you look over here, this is what is happening to your forests. They are getting overgrown, you are getting windthrow, blowdown, disease. As we wait and fiddle and plan for 7 years or longer and spend millions and millions of dollars pushing paper through the appeals process and everything else, Mother Nature eventually acts and this is what you get: catastrophic fire that kills firefighters, destroys homes and if you like this for habitat, you got another think coming. This is what you get. We have to change these rules and regulations. The administration did receive 195,000 comments and they looked at them. They revised their draft plans. These regulations actually protect a wider range of species and are designed to promote action by Forest Service managers well before any need to list species under the ESA. The draft regulations provide for public involvement at every step of the way. They preserve appeal opportunities like those in the 2000 regulations proposed by President Clinton and go well beyond the minimum requirements of NEPA, the National Environmental Policy Act. More timely and transparent planning will further facilitate effective public participation. That is really the key, effective public participation. Mr. Chairman, this is what the Society of American Foresters says about this amendment by my colleague: ``The Society of American Foresters is opposed to efforts to circumvent, through funding elimination or other means, the USDA Forest Service's effort to implement new planning regulations.'' That is Michael Goergen, Executive Vice President, Society of American Foresters. Here is what the labor unions say about this. Mr. Mike Draper, Vice President, Western District, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America: ``If Mr. Udall's rider passes, the Forest Service will be forced to rely on outdated rules written in 1982 or to implement a flawed series of regulations from 2000.'' Professional foresters say this rider is not the way to go. Labor says this rider is not the way to go. Taxpayer groups ought to be saying this rider on an appropriations bill is the wrong way to go. If you care about the cost to the taxpayer, here is a vote that you ought to make as a no; $7.5 million per plan, 7 years to plan what to do in a national forest. In the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota, $7.5 million and 7 years. The Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado, $5.5 million and 7 years. The Tongass that we were all so concerned about in the last vote and remain concerned about in Alaska, $13 million and 9 years to do the plan. We can do better than that, and we should. We owe it to our forests and our future to do better than that, to spend the money not in the planning process that goes on forever, that results in no action except catastrophic fire in many cases, but rather a planning process that produces results and actions that will help bring forests help, that will help protect species and the environment for generations to come. Let us spend the money on the ground, in the forests, fixing fish passage, fixing culverts and roads that now block this fish passage. Let us do the healthy forest things we all agreed in this Congress to do when we passed the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. Let us get out there and do the thinning so that we do not end up with forests that are so clogged with overgrown trees, that suffer from blowdown of forest that you cannot get in and do anything about it. Because when we put off the action because we are too busy planning, the result can be, not always, but can certainly be catastrophic. I urge a no vote on the Udall amendment.