E1148 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 14, 2006 says David Laney, Amtrak’s chairman. ‘‘We 500,000 riders a year. During the daily 2,200- the death of Mr. Richardson, Mr. Bass created have to demonstrate what we can do on our mile trek between Chicago, Seattle and Bass Brothers Enterprises which he operated own before it is taken out of our hands.’’ Portland, Ore., the Empire Builder chugs on behalf of himself and his four sons until Last year, the Bush administration pro- past spectacular scenery. Its on-time record posed eliminating subsidies to Amtrak, is about 68%, and it posted an average loss of 1991 when his oldest son, Sid, took control of which has been kept afloat with $30 billion in $78.57 per passenger in the fiscal year ended the company. Bass Brothers Enterprises flour- federal aid since 1971, according to the De- Sept. 30. ished into one of American’s most successful partment of Transportation. While Congress While the Empire Builder is so far sticking companies with a wide array of business inter- approved $1.3 billion in funding for the cur- with the traditional dining-car format, staff- ests that at one time included a major stake rent fiscal year, the Bush administration lat- ing level and made-to-order food, its added in the Walt Disney Companies. Mr. Bass also est budget request includes $900 million—a amenities and upgraded service are notice- was chair of the Sid Richardson Foundation, 31% cut—for fiscal 2007. And the DOT would able. Amtrak put a small fleet of rebuilt pas- created by Mr. Richardson, which has been a hold back nearly half of the money until senger cars with hip blue-and-white interiors Amtrak demonstrated continued progress on on the line—a big improvement over the drab generous benefactor of District 12, Texas and reform. Yesterday, Amtrak said it would ask orange and brown that dominated older cars. the Nation. Congress for $1.598 billion for fiscal 2007, al- Employees now must introduce themselves While he will be remembered for many ac- most all the increase for capital spending. to passengers. Conductors must stay up all complishments as a superb businessman, Mr. As part of the do-or-die overhaul, Mr. night in the dining car in case they are need- Bass said his proudest accomplishment was Laney fired Amtrak President David Gunn ed. his service on the Texas Parks and Wildlife last November. Mr. Gunn had been widely So far, the Empire Builder makeover ap- Commission that he chaired. During his tenure praised for stabilizing Amtrak’s finances, pears to be enticing more passengers, par- jumpstarting repairs to the Northeast Cor- on the commission, he was instrumental in the ticularly during the off-season when rider- creation of numerous wildlife conservation ef- ridor and restoring credibility with Con- ship typically declines. But David Hughes, gress. But Mr. Laney, a Dallas lawyer and Amtrak’s acting president, says it is impos- forts. Mr. Bass and his family rightfully are Republican loyalist appointed to the Amtrak sible to ever make long-distance trains like credited with transforming downtown Fort board in 2002, concluded that Mr. Gunn was the Empire Builder profitable. Those trains Worth into one of the most vibrant downtowns standing in the way of more-drastic reforms. are expected to generate $382 million in fis- in the U.S. through the construction of high- Mr. Gunn says he was fired because he op- cal 2006, or about one-fourth of overall Am- rise office buildings, the renovation of turn-of- posed the Bush administration’s Amtrak trak revenue, but post losses of more than the-century storefronts and by introducing in- strategy. $493 million, or about $125 for every pas- novative downtown housing. Mr. Bass dem- Mr. Laney says the next crucial step for senger. Amtrak is to fix some notorious customer- onstrated his love of the arts by not only gen- service problems, ranging from dirty cars to f erously funding the arts, but also by serving unhelpful and rude onboard employees. as a member of the National Gallery of Art’s About 30% of all Amtrak trains are late. IN MEMORY OF PERRY RICHARDSON BASS Trustees’ Council. Rep. John Mica, a Republican from Florida Mr. Bass’s life will be best remembered for and longtime Amtrak critic, complains Am- two things: the love of his family and his gen- trak can ‘‘rival some of the Third World and HON. KAY GRANGER former Soviet Union rail experiences.’’ Mr. erosity. Mr. Bass described his beloved wife OF TEXAS Laney acknowledges that passenger service Nancy Lee Bass and their four sons as the by Amtrak is ‘‘in some cases superb and in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES greatest treasures of his life. He also called some cases miserable.’’ Wednesday, June 14, 2006 his sons Sid, Ed, Robert and Lee his greatest The restructuring likely puts Amtrak on a accomplishment. His sons have followed in collision course with its 17,000 unionized Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to their father’s footsteps by their generosity, cre- workers, two-thirds of whom haven’t had a honor one of the leading citizens of District 12 ativity, sharp business sense and love of com- new contract for about five years. Amtrak and the Fort Worth community that I serve, munity. Mr. Bass also felt that he should share officials estimate union restrictions cost the Perry Richardson Bass. On June 1, 2006 Mr. railroad about $100 million a year. Edward his successes through his generosity. Nothing Bass died at his home at the age of 91. The epitomizes this deeply held belief than a deci- Wytkind, president of the AFL–CIO union’s Fort Worth Star-Telegram aptly described Mr. Transportation Trades Department, said in a sion by Mr. and Mrs. Bass to mark their 50th statement that the Bush administration’s re- Bass as ‘‘a Texas oilman who turned his wedding anniversary by contributing $50 mil- form effort is an attempt to ‘‘scapegoat riches into philanthropic gold for Fort Worth, lion to 50 institutions and organizations. workers for the failures of the federal gov- the state and the nation.’’ Mr. Bass’s legacy Mr. Bass’s great business skills, his love of ernment and the current Amtrak board.’’ continues in his four sons—Sid, Ed, Robert wildlife, his generous philanthropy, his abso- Some of Amtrak’s worst problems are be- and Lee—who, in their own right, are business yond its control. Formed to relieve freight lute devotion to his wife Nancy Lee Bass and leaders and philanthropists. sons Sid, Ed, Robert and Lee and their fami- railroads of money-losing passenger trains, Those of us who knew Mr. Bass had an in- Amtrak shares nearly 22,000 miles of track lies, and his visions have resulted in a better with the freight trains, and congestion is credible opportunity to see how a man who Fort Worth, a better Texas and a better United worsening. Still, Amtrak believes better had worked in the West Texas oil fields had States. It is with humility that I honor Perry service will lure riders and shrink losses on come to be a legend not only in the oil busi- Richardson Bass as a great American who long-distance lines. On long-distance routes ness, but also in the world of high finance, used his skills and treasures wisely. Mr. Bass that are primarily used by passengers for civic and public service endeavors, and the will be missed but not forgotten. basic transportation, starting with the Texas arts. Mr. Bass touched the lives of millions of f Eagle and the City of New Orleans, the rail- people in Fort Worth, in Texas and in the road is rolling out a new type of dining serv- United States. Sometimes he did this in dra- RECOGNIZING CODY NICHOLS FOR ice that makes greater use of precooked meals and introduces disposable plastic matic fashion, as with the creation of the mar- ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE plates. Those changes are designed to cut the velous Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth to SCOUT number of dining-car employees to three per which he and his family made a major finan- train from five or six. cial contribution, and other times, he did it in HON. SAM GRAVES Meanwhile, Amtrak is replacing manda- untold ways so people’s lives could be OF MISSOURI tory meal-serving periods with more flexible bettered. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES hours. Over the next few years, it plans to re- Mr. Bass was born on November 11, 1914 build dining cars to replace traditional table Wednesday, June 14, 2006 seating and allow passengers to sit at the bar in Wichita Falls, TX. He was the son of Dr. or watch passing scenery from crescent- E.P. Bass, who left an East Texas medical Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause shaped booths that face the windows. Meal practice for the oil industry, and Annie Rich- to recognize Cody Nichols, a very special service will then be available as much as 18 ardson Bass. After attending a boarding young man who has exemplified the finest hours a day, up from about eight hours now, school in Pennsylvania, Mr. Bass earned a qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- allowing Amtrak to serve more people and science degree in geology from Yale Univer- ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- boost revenue. Amtrak hopes to cut $32 mil- sity in 1937. Mr. Bass became enamored with ica, Troop 102, and in earning the most pres- lion from its annual food-service loss of $123 the Texas oil business as a teen when he as- tigious award of Eagle Scout. million. The Empire Builder is the rolling labora- sisted his uncle, Sid Richardson, also a leg- Cody has been very active with his troop, tory for some of the changes. The train, endary Texas oilman. After Yale, Mr. Bass participating in many Scout activities. Over the which made its first trip in 1929, is one of joined his uncle as a business advisor and many years Cody has been involved with Amtrak’s most popular, carrying nearly they formed the Richardson & Bass Co. Upon scouting, he has not only earned numerous

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:08 Jun 15, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14JN8.032 E14JNPT1 jcorcoran on PROD1PC62 with REMARKS June 14, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1149 merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- PERSONAL EXPLANATION RECOGNIZING JOSH SUTTON FOR ily, peers, and community. ACHIEVING THE RANK OF EAGLE Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in SCOUT commending Cody Nichols for his accomplish- HON. JOE BARTON ments with the Boy Scouts of America and for HON. SAM GRAVES his efforts put forth in achieving the highest OF TEXAS OF MISSOURI distinction of Eagle Scout. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Wednesday, June 14, 2006 Wednesday, June 14, 2006 HONORING THE PORT OF BALTI- MORE ON ITS 300TH ANNIVER- Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause SARY Monday, June 12, 2006, I was unable to fly to to recognize Josh Sutton, a very special Washington, D.C. for votes. As a result, I young man who has exemplified the finest missed votes on this day and some votes be- qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- fore returning Tuesday, June 13, 2006. I OF MARYLAND ica, Troop 102, and in earning the most pres- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES would have voted on the following rollcall tigious award of Eagle Scout. Wednesday, June 14, 2006 votes, had I been present. Josh has been very active with his troop, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Monday, June 12, 2006: participating in many scout activities. Over the today to honor the Port of Baltimore on its AYE: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and many years Josh has been involved with 300th Anniversary. Agree, as Amended: 362–1 (Roll Call 251). scouting, he has not only earned numerous Baltimore and the state of Maryland are Recognizing the 17th anniversary of the mas- merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- home to some of the most cherished and en- sacre in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in the ily, peers, and community. during symbols of our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in People’s Republic of China, and for other pur- It was during the War of 1812 that Francis commending Josh Sutton for his accomplish- poses. Scott Key while sequestered on a boat off the ments with the Boy Scouts of America and for shores of Fort McHenry in Baltimore was in- AYE: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and his efforts put forth in achieving the highest spired by the American Flag to write our Na- Agree, as Amended: 362–1 (Roll Call 252). distinction of Eagle Scout. tional Anthem, the Star Spangled Banner. It Condemning the unauthorized, inappropriate, f was also during that war that Fort McHenry and coerced ordination of Catholic bishops by protected the City of Baltimore and the Port of the People’s Republic of China. MINE IMPROVEMENT AND NEW Baltimore. EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACT OF I believe that today, Flag Day, is an appro- AYE: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and 2006 priate day to recognize the Port of Baltimore Agree, as Amended: 363–1 (Roll Call 253). on its 300th Anniversary. Condemning the escalating levels of religious SPEECH OF Established in 1706, the Port of Baltimore is persecution in the People’s Republic of China. HON. ROSCOE G. BARTLETT here today because it was successfully de- AYE: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and OF MARYLAND fended by the American soldiers and militia- Agree: 364–0 (Roll Call 254). Expressing the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES men at Fort McHenry and North Point during sense of Congress regarding the activities of Wednesday, June 17, 2006 the War of 1812. Islamist terrorist organizations in the Western Today, the Port of Baltimore is one of Amer- Hemisphere. Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, ica’s busiest international deepwater ports and we must encourage the development of new AYE: On Ordering the Previous Question: serves as a critical anchor for Baltimore and mine safety technologies and not hinder ad- 204–165 (Roll Call 255). Waiving points of the Inner Harbor. It is also an economic en- vances. Remember that when an accident oc- order against consideration of the conference gine for the state. From cars to tractors, from curs underground all power is shut off and our report to accompany the bill (H.R. 4939) mak- coal to paper, from sugar to aluminum, the miners are working in the dark, perhaps un- Port of Baltimore handles 400,000 containers ing emergency supplemental appropriations aware of what has taken place, and under a year filled with goods that help us in our ev- for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, stressful conditions. eryday lives. The Port employs more than and for other purposes. Recent discussions about advancing mine 19,000 people, supports more than 42,000 AYE: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and safety technology have focused on a few dis- jobs related to the maritime industry, and gen- Agree, as Amended: 409–0 (Roll Call 256). tinct areas including self-contained self-res- erates more than $2 billion in revenue annu- Commending the Government of Canada for cuers, emergency shelters, two-way commu- ally. A busy Port has ensured a buzzing econ- its renewed commitment to the Global War on nications equipment, tracking devices, and life- omy and more jobs for Maryland residents. Terror. lines. Specifically, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ad- The hard work and dedication of Baltimore’s AYE: On Agreeing to the Conference Re- dress the references to self-contained self-res- port workers together with the support of local, port: 351–67 (Roll Call 257). Making emer- cuers in section 2 and section 6 of S. 2803. state, and federal leaders have ensured that gency supplemental appropriations for the fis- It is important to clarify that in no way should the Port will be a success today as well as to- cal year ending September 30, 2006, and for the requirements under section 2 discourage morrow. other purposes. It is impossible to comment on the success improving the design of self-contained self-res- of the Port of Baltimore without recognizing AYE: On Agreeing to the Resolution: 221– cuers. the strong commitment to the Port by former 194 (Roll Call 258). Waiving a requirement of A self-contained self-rescuer, SCSR, is a Congresswoman Helen Delich Bently. Re- clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consid- respiratory device used by miners for the pur- cently Governor Robert J. Ehrlich, Jr. of Mary- eration of certain resolutions reported from the pose of escape during mine fires and explo- land announced that the Port will be renamed Committee on Rules. sions; it provides the wearer a closed-circuit the ‘‘Helen Delich Bently Port of Baltimore.’’ AYE: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and supply of breathable air for a period of time Former Congresswoman Bently served in the Pass, as Amended: 415–1 (Roll Call 259). To that varies from model to model. United States House of Representatives from provide for certain access to national crime in- While the current MSHA regulations require that miners be provided with SCSRs that pro- 1985–1995 representing Maryland’s Second formation databases by schools and edu- tect for a least 1 hour, some SCSRs on the Congressional District and has since become cational agencies for employment purposes, market provide longer protection, approaching one of the Port’s most staunch supporters. with respect to individuals who work with chil- 2 hours, and research is under way to develop In honor of the Port of Baltimore, I am intro- dren. ducing a resolution, with the support of the en- longer lasting SCSRs. tire Maryland Delegation in the House, to AYE: On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Mr. Speaker, in a 2001 study, the National honor the Port of Baltimore on its 300th Anni- Agree, as Amended: 407–0 (Roll Call 260). Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, versary. Supporting responsible fatherhood, promoting NIOSH, reported that out of 214 miners sur- I urge my colleagues to join me and the marriage, and encouraging greater involve- veyed 38 percent had been notified to evac- Maryland Delegation and honor the Port of ment of fathers in the lives of their children, uate a mine because of fire or explosion dur- Baltimore on this patriotic day. especially on Father’s Day. ing their career. Data provided by the U.S.

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