April 3, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E681 vulnerable children, those who are part of the leaders when I have visited Even Start pro- ants—former Congressman . Even Start program. grams. Adults marveled at the change in their Congressman Roncalio died on March 30 at These children’s families qualify for Even children’s feeling about reading and learning the age of 87. He will be forever remembered Start because they are low socioeconomic when they were able to make reading together for a body of legislative accomplishments that families who may also be English learners. a daily activity. One mother told me how she truly benefitted the state he loved so well. Program liaisons work with the families from thought she couldn’t help her 5 year old with Known to all in as simply Teno, the children’s infancy until they are in school. reading, but, thanks to the program, she real- the Congressman was born in 1916 in Rock Even Start funds approximately 1,400 pro- ized that reading together enabled them to Springs, WY, the eighth of nine children of an grams and serves approximately 50,000 fami- help each other with the words each didn’t immigrant Italian family. He attended the Uni- lies across the Nation. know. versity of Wyoming, graduated in 1939, and Without this existing William F. Goodling All children deserve an even start. This bill then went to Washington to work for Wyoming Even Start Family Literacy Program, these will assure that Even Start facilitators will be Senator Joe Mahoney. He enrolled in Catholic children would arrive for their first day of well-trained to help parents learn the skills that University Law School, only to have his stud- school without the literacy skills to compete at enable their children to be competitive at the ies interrupted by World War II. He served that starting line. They are unlikely ever to starting line. with distinction in the 18th infantry, and saw catch up, even if they are able to be served f combat in seven campaigns including Africa, in the Head Start program before actually en- Italy, France and Germany. He earned a Sil- tering school, unless the adults who work with AUBURN UNIVERSITY SWIM TEAM ver Star for gallantry during the D–Day Inva- them in these critical early years learn literacy sion at Normandy. teaching skills and learn to value the role of HON. MIKE ROGERS After World War II, he returned to his be- education. OF ALABAMA loved state and earned a law degree at the Over 86 percent of parents in the Even Start IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES . After practicing law program have not completed high school upon and serving a stint as a deputy county attor- Thursday, April 3, 2003 entering the program (compared with about 27 ney, he was elected to Congress first in 1964 percent of Head Start parents). Eighty percent Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, last and then, after losing a Senate race, won our of participants have a family income below week the Auburn University swim team domi- House seat again in 1970. He served another $15,000 and over 40 percent have income nated the NCAA Swimming and Diving Cham- four terms with distinction, retiring in 1978. below $6,000. This is clearly a high-needs pionships by winning the men’s national title. During his time in Congress, Teno worked population. The Tigers routed their nearest competitors diligently on critically important issues to Wyo- What the program offers is both literacy- by 196.5 points and qualified 11 swimmers for training classes for the children and family lit- ming. He helped boost Wyoming’s share of the championship finals and four more for the mineral royalties, a driving force in our state’s eracy programs for the parents. Children par- consolation finals. This was the men’s team ticipating in Even Start are provided with age- economy to this day. He wrote legislation to third national title ever. create a number of recreational areas in the appropriate educational services to ensure But the men were diving on the heels of the that they will achieve at a level similar to that state, including Flaming Gorge, Big Horn Can- Auburn women’s swim team, who during the of their age peers who come from socio-eco- yon and Fossil Butte. After he left Congress, previous week, won their first-ever National nomically enriched backgrounds. he continued to serve Wyoming, acting as Liaison advisors work with each family to Championship. Special Master in the adjudication of water promote strong literacy support experiences, Mr. Speaker, these young men and women rights on the Big-Horn-Big Wind River. His to help parents learn ways they can develop symbolize the strength of the human spirit and commitment to environmental concerns and their own English literacy skills, and to provide the joy of achievement. Let us congratulate preserving the beauty and history of Wyoming support groups for parents to share the chal- them for their victories by acclaiming together constitute a lasting contribution to the state. lenges and skills of parenting. in the House: ‘‘WAR EAGLE!’’ Only last year, the Wyoming congressional In developing their own literacy, adults in Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your consider- delegation was successful in securing ap- these family literacy programs tend to partici- ation of these Americans. As a tribute for the proval of legislation to name the pate longer than those in regular adult edu- families of these proud young men and Post Office in Rock Springs in Teno’s honor. cation programs because they can link their lit- women, please enter their names into the It was a privilege to have a part in recognizing eracy growth to that of their children. They not CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: a man with such a distinguished career of de- only see benefits in improved literacy skills but Auburn University Men’s Swim Team: Lyle voted public service to our state. also reduced dependency on federal/state as- Babcock, Chad Barlow, Seth Barry, George My thoughts and prayers are with Teno’s sistance programs and enhanced employment Bovell, Fred Bousquet, Will Brandt, Matt Brick- family. He was a man of great heart and com- opportunities. Most importantly, they are em- er, Kurt Cady, Patrick Calhoun, Justin Caron, passion who will truly be missed. Though he powered to be successful as their child’s first James Galloway, Mark Gangloff, Caesar Gar- is gone, his legacy in Wyoming will live for- and most important teacher. cia, Derek Gibb, Joseph Gonzales, Andy ever. This bill will set aside funding to establish Haidinyak. f nationwide programs to assist in the training of Auburn University Women’s Swim Team: program directors and facilitators in recently Jenni Anderson, Maggie Bowen, Sally Brown, CHILD ABDUCTION PREVENTION developed, research-based literacy training Demerae Christianson, Eileen Coparropa, ACT skills. Kirsty Coventry, Lauren Duerk, Magda President Bush has declared his support for Dyszkiewicz, Erin Gayle, Margaret Hoelzer, SPEECH OF helping parents, day-care centers, and Kelly Jones, Heather Kemp, Jana Kolukanova, HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE preschools teach more learning skills to chil- Rachel Korth, Alessandra Lawless, Leslie OF TEXAS dren before they get to kindergarten. Even Lunsmann, Cassidy Maxwell, Jeri Moss, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Start provides just such a program for parents Kelsey Patterson, Ashley Rubenstein, Becky to develop the literacy skills that enable them Short, Laura Swander, Erin Volcan, Amy Thursday, March 27, 2003 to perform this task. Because of new legisla- Wheatley. The House in Committee of the Whole tion, particularly the new qualifications for per- f House on the State of the Union had under sonnel, performance objectives, and ‘‘scientif- consideration the bill (H.R. 1104) to prevent ically-based reading research’’ requirements TRIBUTE TO FORMER child abductions, and for other purposes: for instructional programs, local Even Start CONGRESSMAN TENO RONCALIO Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chair- programs also need to benefit from this type man, I rise in reluctant support of H.R. 1104, of high-quality training. HON. the Child Abduction Prevention Act. I support I have requested an evaluation to provide a OF WYOMING H.R. 1104 reluctantly because while the reso- longitudinal look at the achievement of chil- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lution improves upon the AMBER Alert sys- dren assisted by the program because I be- tem, it is not a clean AMBER Alert Bill. Thursday, April 3, 2003 lieve that evaluation must be embedded in all The provisions of H.R. 1104 that improve such programs. Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sad- the AMBER Alert system are critical steps in It is overwhelming to bear heart-felt expres- ness today to note the passing of one of Wyo- making America safer for children. The sions of appreciation for the program and its ming’s most prominent and able public serv- AMBER Alert provisions of H.R. 1104 direct

VerDate Jan 31 2003 02:50 Apr 05, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A03AP8.078 E03PT1 E682 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 3, 2003 the Attorney General to assign a National through his dedicated commitment to our com- to enhance each student’s life. He strived to Amber Alert Coordinator. The Coordinator will munity. instill in his students a strong and positive establish minimum standards for the issuance Since completing his 2-year role as presi- sense of self worth. of AMBER Alerts, including the extent of dis- dent of the FCFB, Mr. Betancourt continues to Earlier this year, a former student and pro- semination of alerts. The minimum standards serve on the FCFB Executive Committee and fessional tennis player, honored Mr. Nissley by will require vital information relating to the spe- he was recently appointed to serve as the In- organizing an event commemorating his con- cial needs of the child, including the child’s dustry Representative on the San Joaquin Val- tributions. During the event, numerous former health care needs, to be provided to the ap- ley Unified Air Pollution Control District’s Citi- students and athletes praised him with kind propriate law enforcement and public health zens Advisory Committee. Before serving as words and fond memories. officials. Also, the dissemination of the FCFB President, Betancourt also served as Mr. Nissley is now 90 years old. At the re- AMBER Alert will be limited to the geographic the FCFB secretary-treasurer and second and quest of his students, colleagues, friends and area most likely to facilitate the recovery of the first vice presidents. family who wanted to recognize his numerous abducted child. In addition to all of his work with the FCFB, contributions, the community of El Monte re- H.R. 1104 also requires the Secretary of Mr. Betancourt has served in a number of var- cently nominated him for induction into the Transportation to provide grants to states for ious community activities. Through his Farm Interscholastic Federation Hall of the development or improvement of AMBER Bureau activities, Mr. Betancourt served on Fame. Not only is the number of years he taught at the El Monte Union School District Alert communication or notification systems the board of directors of the Fresno Chamber already a state record, but his commitment along America’s highways. It requires the At- of Commerce, and represented FCFB at many and selflessness is immeasurable. industry and community forums and events. torney General to provide grants to States for I would also like to join the community of El the development or enhancement of programs Mr. Betancourt currently serves on the Monte in showing my appreciation for Mr. and activities for support of the AMBER Alert Kerman Unified School Board of Trustees, and Nissley by asking Congress to recognize his communications plans. is involved in the Fresno Area Collaborative vast contributions to our youth, and out- I whole-heartedly support all of the AMBER Regional Initiative. Additionally, Mr. Betancourt standing dedication to service. Alert provisions of H.R. 1104. These provi- is a noted columnist for a local business publi- f sions improve the AMBER Alert system and cation and he teaches Sunday school at the help to reduce the likelihood that children who Kerman Covenant Church. INTRODUCTION OF THE ST. CROIX are kidnapped will also be physically abused, Mr. Betancourt currently farms more than NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA sexually abused, or murdered. These provi- 750 acres of cotton and almonds in Fresno STUDY ACT sions also improve the chances that abducted County, where he has also grown crops such children will be returned to their families. as tomatoes, sugar beets, cantaloupes, barley, HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN I have reservations about supporting H.R. and cattle. Paul Betancourt’s intimate knowl- OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 1104 because it is not a clean AMBER Alert edge of farming issues and his dedicated IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bill. I believe that the Amendments to the bill commitment to farmers and Fresno County Thursday, April 3, 2003 dealing with prison sentence guidelines, pre- residents as a whole should serve as an ex- trial release, and law enforcement investiga- ample of leadership and dedication in the Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise tion powers should be dealt with in separate Central Valley of California. today to introduce legislation to direct the Sec- legislation. Mr. Betancourt has contributed to the im- retary of Interior to conduct a study of the suit- More importantly, the extraneous provisions provement of the community through his work ability and feasibility of establishing the St. Croix National Heritage Area. will delay the ultimate passage of the AMBER in and out of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. According to the National Park Service, Na- Alert Bill. Every day that goes by without a na- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me tional Heritage Areas are places that are fed- tional AMBER Alert system in place puts the today in congratulating Paul Betancourt on his erally designated to preserve an important as- lives of children at risk. According to an Octo- retirement as president of the Fresno County pect of America’s past and share it with visi- ber 2002 U.S. Department of Justice Report ti- Farm Bureau. tors. They are generally started at the grass- tled the National Incidence Studies of Missing, f roots by community members who envision Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Chil- places where the best of the past becomes dren (NISMART Report), 12,222 children were IN RECOGNITION OF MR. HARRY B. NISSLEY part of a sustainable future. the victims of traditional kidnappings in the National Heritage Areas are not living theme year 1999 alone. That amounts to approxi- parks seeking to freeze places in time. They mately 33 children kidnapped nationwide per HON. HILDA L. SOLIS seek instead to conserve their special natural day. OF CALIFORNIA spaces and historic places as part of their While the members of the House debate ex- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES communities’ social and economic futures. traneous amendments, hundreds of children Thursday, April 3, 2003 The successful melding of past and future is are being kidnapped and murdered. As the the National Heritage Area challenge. Chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus, Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- The unique natural, historic and cultural re- I strongly believe that the best way to save ognize Mr. Harry B. Nissley, a local hero in my sources of the island of St. Croix represent children’s lives is to vote in support of H.R. community who has dedicated over 50 years distinctive aspects of American heritage that 1104, even if I do so reluctantly. of his life to educating and inspiring our stu- are in my view, worthy of recognition and pro- That is why, Mr. Chairman, I reluctantly vote dents. vide outstanding opportunities for recreational in favor of H.R. 1104. Mr. Nissley worked as a tennis coach for and educational opportunities. the El Monte Union High School District from f In introducing this bill I hope to utilize our 1946 until his retirement in 2001. Over the spectacular natural and historic resources to HONORING PAUL BETANCOURT course of his career, he has received numer- spur economic development on my home is- ous honors, including the San Gabriel Valley land which badly needs it. As Interior Sec- HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY Administration Association’s Service Award retary Gail Norton noted during her visit to St. OF CALIFORNIA and the California Interscholastic Federation Croix: ‘‘We certainly want to protect the won- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Award. But most enduring is the imprint he derful environment here and to match that has left on the lives of hundreds of students, Thursday, April 3, 2003 great environment with a thriving economy. athletes and peers. Mr. Nissley’s enthusiasm, Heritage tourism might be one option for St. Mr. DOOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to caring and dedication is exemplary of a great Croix’’. recognize Paul Betancourt, who is being hon- educator. Mr. Speaker, there are currently 23 existing ored as the outgoing president of the Fresno Mr. Nissley went above and beyond the call national heritage areas across 17 states. As County Farm Bureau, FCFB. Paul Betancourt of duty to make sure that students were given the Ranking Democrat on the House National has spent more than a decade serving my dis- every opportunity to excel. Every spring, he Parks and Public Lands Subcommittee, I can trict through his activities with the Fresno hosted the Keeley Tennis tournament to help confirm that heritage areas are just one of a County Farm Bureau, which represents over pay for student competition entry fees and growing number of collaborative, community- 6,000 members, produces more than 300 often used his own money to help those stu- based conservation strategies that have devel- crops and grosses more than $3.2 billion an- dents with financial hardships. Mr. Nissley’s oped in recent years to identify, preserve, and nually. Paul Betancourt has set an example enthusiasm was only surpassed by his desire interpret resources.

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