H10884 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 2000 TODAY’S CHALLENGE: EDUCATION have the supplies, and create the at- gentleman from (Mr. LEWIS), IN AMERICA mosphere; we want to make sure that has given me the honor of putting to- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a when children go into our schools, that gether a night to honor the gentleman previous order of the House, the gen- they know very well that they are from California (Mr. PACKARD), one of tleman from California (Mr. BACA) is coming into a school that they do not our colleagues who is leaving the recognized for 5 minutes. have to worry about leaking roofs. House, retiring at the end of this ses- Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, the chal- They do not have to worry about not sion. lenge confronting us today is edu- having any faucets that are fixed, and We wanted to take a little time to cation. Before us is the future of edu- they do not have to worry about look- talk a little bit of his accomplishments cation. We as a Nation must place edu- ing at windows that are broken. They while here in the Congress. First of all, cation as the number one priority if we do not have to look at walls that have we will hear from our leader, the gen- are to meet the challenges and needs of graffiti. We want to create an atmos- tleman from California (Mr. LEWIS). I the 21st century; if we are to look phere that is good for them. yield to him such time as he desires. where our children are going to be and If an atmosphere is good for them, Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- if they are well prepared to meet those then they will begin to learn. And if it er, I very much appreciate my col- challenges. is good for them, then teachers feel league yielding. And, Mr. Speaker, I We need to invest in education. We good about being energized in teaching. would like to join my colleagues this need to come together in a bipartisan At the same time, we have to make evening in paying tribute to our friend effort and support H.R. 4094; 228 Mem- sure that we look at not only mod- from the Committee on Appropria- bers are cosponsors. This is not a par- ernization, but the digital divide, to tions, RON PACKARD. RON is retiring tisan issue. This is a bipartisan issue. look at technology to make sure that from the House after 18 years of service This is about education and putting a we fund every one of our schools so to his constituents. He has had the high priority and investing in the fu- that our children are well prepared to privilege of representing one of the ture of America. meet the 21st century and well pre- most beautiful parts of our State in We need to make sure that class size pared and well trained. If they are not, south Orange County and north San reduction for our children is there. We what is going to happen to our Nation? Diego County, a small piece of River- have got to make sure that our chil- What is going to happen to our Nation? side County as well, as he would re- dren have the same opportunity that It is our responsibility that we provide mind us. many other individuals have where the funding at a higher level. We have It is understandable why RON would they have small classes, but it can only got to invest more. We are not invest- want to spend more time at home. He happen through modernization and ing enough in education. has just completed the building of a class size reduction. Mr. Speaker, I believe the answer and new home with his wife, Jean, seven We need to fund education at the the beginning and the right steps are in children and too many grandchildren highest level. When a child comes into H.R. 4094. That is a step in the right di- to count. He has got plenty to look for- school, they must feel comfortable to rection. When an individual receives ward to as he goes back home to his know that the ratio is 25 to one, stu- the funding, then that means we have district. dent to teacher. If the atmosphere is the accountability. At the same time, RON came to the Congress after serv- good, the students feel good, the teach- when we look at where are our stu- ing in the U.S. Navy and later as a ers feel good. They are in an atmos- dents, we must prepare them to meet member of the school board, active in phere that they can learn. That is posi- the 21st century so they are ready to go the chamber of commerce. He served tive for a lot of our students. The indi- to a community college and State col- on the city council and was mayor of vidual attention is important to a stu- lege and our universities. Carlsbad. RON was elected to Congress dent, because a student has to develop Are community colleges ready for as a result of his success as a write-in self-esteem, self-confidence in them- them? We have to make sure that we candidate in 1982, one of the very few selves. If he or she has confidence in provide tax incentives and tax rates occasions in which a write-in candidate himself and they know that the teach- and tuition that is available for our has been successful. er is working in areas that they need, students to go on to our community I have worked most closely with RON then we can have the accountability to colleges. More and more students are in the appropriations process where make sure that our students are pro- going to our community colleges right over the years he has been the chair- gressing and learning in our public in- now, and we have to make sure that we man of the Subcommittee on Legisla- stitutions. It can only happen if we re- provide the funding there. And as we tive Appropriations, the chairman of duce the class sizes. look at those students who are trans- the Subcommittee on Military Con- Yes, Mr. Speaker, we need teacher ferring on to 4-year institutions, to struction Appropriations, and is just training; and, yes, we do need account- make sure that they can get into a completing a tour representing our ability. That is very important for us State college or university. State very well on the subcommittee as well. But we must invest in edu- Mr. Speaker, I know that we have that deals with energy and water ap- cation; we must allow that to happen. honors programs and other programs, propriations, a most important appro- We must provide the tools and the in- but it becomes difficult when we do not priations bill. struments to make sure that our have the funding and we do not have Mr. Speaker, we are going to miss teachers have the resources and the the financing that are available for a RON greatly as a member of our com- funding. I know that it is very difficult lot of our students. The tax incentives mittee. He has been of great service to in today’s society. When we look at and tax breaks are there. Mr. Speaker, Southern California. California alone, that has over 6 mil- we need to invest more in education. Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield lion students in our K through 12. More We can take the right steps. The steps now to the gentleman from Long and more students are coming in, and are ahead of us, but we have to come Beach, California (Mr. HORN). yet we have a ratio of 45 to one in together in a bipartisan effort. Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, RON PACK- many of our schools. We need to make f ARD is truly a man of the House of Rep- sure that we look across the Nation resentatives. He is a gentleman. He is and we provide the funding. TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN RON civility. He is a good listener, and he My son, Joseph Baca, Jr., is a teacher PACKARD UPON HIS RETIREMENT has got a ready smile. He won friends in junior high, and he is going out and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under all over this Chamber on both sides of buying supplies. This should not hap- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- the aisle; and, of course, that is what pen to him and many other teachers uary 6, 1999, the gentleman from Cali- effective legislators do. because we are not providing the funds fornia (Mr. MCKEON) is recognized for Of course, when we all learned that that are very much needed in our class- 60 minutes as the designee of the ma- he had a total of 44 children and grand- rooms. We need to make sure that we jority leader. children, 7 children, 34 grandchildren, provide not only the funding to make Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, the lead- and three great grandchildren, we were sure that teachers have the equipment, er of our California delegation, the envious. And I always wondered how he

VerDate 25-OCT-2000 04:46 Oct 26, 2000 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25OC7.199 pfrm02 PsN: H25PT1 October 25, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10885 remembered their names. I suspect I have had the pleasure of serving trict. And every year we would get to- Jean, his charming wife, maybe put a under his chairmanship on the appro- gether for the last 8 years I have been sort of easel up and when they were priations Subcommittee on Energy and in the House, and we would meet and coming, said here are the names. Water. have what they call the RON and KEN RON, in whatever he did as a legis- For the past 2 years, RON has been show up there. And we would talk lator here, first on public works, now steadfast in reversing the President’s about issues that affect the Temecula- known as the Committee on Transpor- decision to underfund our Nation’s in- Marrietta Valley. I will miss that very tation and Infrastructure, but now on frastructure needs. Due to his leader- much; and you need to come out, RON, the Committee on Appropriations, he ship, the Congress has maintained a to celebrate those times. was very fair when he listened to all of strong commitment to partnerships On issues out in those areas, Pierce’s us, Democrats, Republicans, East- with our local communities and States Disease, which is devastating the vint- erners, Westerners, Northerners, by providing these needed funds for ners out there in that area, and avoca- Southerners. On appropriations, he flood control, shore protection and dos, that we just successfully con- brought basic common sense to the dredging our harbors and the like. cluded here shortly, those I am sure Subcommittee on Energy and Water As a former businessman, school are issues you are very proud of in the Development, one of the most difficult board member, city councilman, and local sense. But, obviously, on a na- committees in this Chamber, because mayor, RON has always believed that tional sense, the service that you have it involves floods, it involves ecology, the Federal Government should provide done for the Committee on Appropria- it involves environment. RON could a helpful hand but the true power and tions in all the various subcommittees, deal with all of those pressures. decisions should be returned to State legislative branch, certainly military He cared about our troops abroad, in and local government officials who construction, where you have helped a particular. In the period when he was know the best needs of their constitu- lot of young families get better hous- chairman of the Subcommittee on ents. ing and a better place to live, to help Military Construction, our troops On a personal note, in July of 1999, I retention in our military forces, some- abroad in Korea were in Second World traveled with RON and his wife, Jean, thing I am sure you are very proud of. War barracks going to pieces, and RON and other Members to Russia as part of And certainly the energy and water ac- knew that should not be. If we have our committee assignment on Energy count in which you have done many families, as we do now in all the serv- and Water. RON and our colleagues things throughout the country, and ices, we need good facilities and we toured the Russian ‘‘closed cities’’ or happily in our own area, the Temecula- need a place where they can call home the former nuclear sites and met with Marrietta area that has devastating when it is abroad. numerous Russian officials. It was a floods, that we can finally move toward Mr. Speaker, I want to thank RON for trip to remember, in large part due to flood protection for the many people all he has done in this Chamber, and all RON’s leadership, his insistence that we that live in that area and the property he will do when he goes back to, as the see where U.S. dollars were being spent we would like to protect. gentleman from California (Mr. LEWIS) to dispose of or contain nuclear waste. So RON, it has been a privilege serv- said, that beautiful part of the Cali- Throughout our trip within Russia, ing with you. I know that another fornia coast. RON showed his dedication to our pur- thing that I do not know if a lot of peo- So, Jean and RON, you are a great pose for being there and to the Amer- ple know, he is probably the finest golf- couple to have as a mentor and have as ican people by insisting on receiving a er in the House. No doubt about it. He a model, and we thank you for what complete understanding of the current will be giving me at least a stroke a you have done in your 2 decades here, status of all of these nuclear sites. Ad- hole from now on. I really appreciate and we wish you well in the years ditionally during this trip, I had the that. ahead. opportunity to get to know RON and I thank the gentleman for his service Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield Jean; and I can tell you, judging from and look forward to many years to now to the gentleman from New Jersey our discussions about our families, come of friendship. (Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN), a colleague of that RON and Jean will definitely con- Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to RON PACKARD’s on the Committee on tinue to be busy grandparents, taking a the gentleman from California (Mr. Appropriations. very active role in all of their 34 grand- BACA), another golfer, a Member from children’s lives. The Congress’ loss will the other side of the aisle, and also a b 1930 be his family’s gain. neighbor and friend of RON’s. Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I wish you well in retirement, RON. Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleas- I thank the gentleman for yielding. You have set a high standard for all of ure for me to be up here to say a few Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to wish us to follow that remain. We will miss words about an individual. I am the our colleague RON PACKARD well in his you. Good luck and Godspeed. new kid on the block. I just got elected retirement from the House of Rep- Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to not too long ago. I said, who is RON resentatives at the end of this 106th the gentleman from Riverside, Cali- PACKARD? But, you know what, since I Congress. fornia (Mr. CALVERT), another of RON’s have gotten to know RON PACKARD, ba- Tonight a number of us have gath- good friends and neighbors. sically he reached out and touched the ered in this Chamber during this spe- Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank lives of many of us. cial time to pay tribute to our col- the gentleman from Valencia, Cali- You may think the type of relation- league and our friend who has served fornia, for putting together this special ship he built here on a bipartisan is with distinction in this people’s House order for our good friend, RON PACK- very important. I know we are going to for 18 years. All of us know this very ARD; and I say that very sincerely. miss you. I know I am going to miss good-natured gentleman from Cali- I do not know if the gentleman re- you, since I am relatively new here. I fornia is one of only four Members of members, but in 1982 we both ran for know, not only because you are on the Congress to have ever won their first Congress in Republican primaries, and, Committee on Appropriations, the election to the Congress as a write-in something we have in common, we Committee on Transportation and In- candidate, a tremendous feat in and of both lost. I lost my Republican pri- frastructure, the Subcommittee on En- itself. Little did we know that RON mary, but RON went on to win a very ergy and Water, but what you have would go from that point in 1982 to be- substantial victory in a write-in cam- done throughout the area is you really come chairman of three very important paign. have left a legacy for many other indi- House appropriations subcommittees. That has only happened four times in viduals in the community, because As other Members have mentioned, the history of the House truly your legislation and your policies many of us here tonight know RON for of Representatives, which shows how have been bipartisan, in the interests his years of service on the House Com- popular and well loved he is in his dis- of California, in the interests of the mittee on Appropriations. I myself trict. I know that for a fact, because Nation. have had the honor of serving with him our districts adjoin each other in the That is important for people to re- on that committee, and most recently Temecula-Marrietta areas of our dis- member when they look at a legislator

VerDate 25-OCT-2000 04:46 Oct 26, 2000 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25OC7.201 pfrm02 PsN: H25PT1 H10886 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 2000 that is serving us. That is why not only not afraid to call for removal of the from Orange County. He has been truly is he well liked and loved in his dis- President or a cabinet member when he a father figure, a kind father. He has trict, but throughout the Nation and thought it was within his value system, been a hard-working father, he has by many of us. You truly are a leader, and he had the strength of a leader to been a caring father, and he has been a a visionary, an individual who cares carry that through. wise father, and all of the things you about not only our communities as a RON loved public service. He loved his think of when you think about a good whole, and in your district, but you are wife, Jean, and his family, but his fam- man and a person of integrity, of an individual that is willing to listen ily might be described as a covey, a strength, that is what you think of, on a bipartisan basis and say what is herd, a flock, or just maybe a large that is what we think of, the people important for our Nation, what is im- group. RON has seven children, 34 who have worked with him so many portant for California, and take action, grandchildren and three great-grand- years and relied upon his strength of which is very important on a bipar- children, the last we heard; and I am character and his cheerfulness, that is tisan basis. sure that that number is going to go what we think of when we think of RON As the new kid on the block, I find up. PACKARD. that very energizing, I find that very But I think it also shows the com- RON started his career as a dentist. I enthusiastic, and I find that very moti- petitiveness of RON PACKARD. I would always find it is fascinating to talk to vating, because it is important to get like to give a story off the Hill. RON people, as I have spoken to RON for motivated. Everybody told me, when does love golf, with a passion, and if he many hours, about what they did in the you come up here, JOE, it is going to be loses a dime, I mean, he frets for a previous career before actually coming so partisan. I found out that not every- week if he loses a dime. He is a fierce here to Washington, D.C. Actually I thing is so partisan. Sometimes, yes, competitor. As a matter of fact, right know it is hard to say you were thrilled but there are individuals that are not, there where he is sitting at this mo- to hear stories of his dentistry, but it and you truly have developed a kind of ment he was sitting with DUNCAN made him a real human being to me, friendship and you have opened the HUNTER one night. and realizing you could actually go doors to many individuals to say what Now, RON is a very good golfer, in the into a dentist’s office and have RON is it that you have to say that is good 70s or 90s. DUNCAN HUNTER is of equal PACKARD there, you know, him leaning for California, what is it that is good caliber, in the 70s or 80s. I am lucky to over you and saying this is going to for all of us. If it is good, I am willing break 100, so I am always asking for hurt me as much as it is you, and you to listen. That kind of relationship and strokes on the golf course on the week- realize that is really true; that RON is kind of friendship, there is no dollar ends from these two rascals, but they such a sympathetic person and empa- value that you can put on it. will not give it. Sometimes they cave thetic with people, that he was as a It truly has been an honor to be your in. dentist and a human being was very friend and know you this short period They were discussing something, and successful outside of the political of time. I wish you were here longer. I was sitting behind them waiting for arena. But I know that you left a legacy, not them to finish. Come to find out, they Also we know that RON PACKARD only the legacy in policy, but the leg- were plotting on Saturday when we served in the Armed Forces. I know he acy in golf. You truly are one indi- went to the Old Soldiers Home golf has several stories which he will not vidual that has been an outstanding course, both of them were going to tell in public about the Armed Forces. golfer. A lot us are going to try to fol- show up with their arms in slings so He served his country and he had a low in the same footsteps, and hope- they would not have to give me a good time doing it, but he also was fully we can. Thank you very much for stroke a hole that game. very dedicated to his country. RON is serving the State of California and our Well, they did not see me slip out be- the true image of a Patriot, of an Nation. hind, they did not know the stealthi- American Patriot. American patriots, Mr. MCKEON. I yield to the gen- ness of one Member; and, when we some of us in the conservative move- tleman from San Diego, California (Mr. showed up, I had my arms in two ment think patriots are the solemn CUNNINGHAM). slings, so they had to give me a stroke guys and just repeating slogans about Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I a hole. the country. RON is an honest, honest would like to thank , a Mem- But I thought I would share this let- patriotic person. He is an American, a ber from the other side of the aisle, for ter. I thought enough of this, I got this true American, and you can sense that giving tribute to someone that we just a couple of years ago from RON, to in his heart. cherish very, very much. show you what a competitor he is. I b 1945 You know, RON PACKARD was a write- would like to read it. He says, ‘‘Dear in, and what a rich legacy he gave the DUKE, you can have my wife, you can How one can tell that this is so evi- constituents of North County. Much of have my children, my grandchildren, dent, not only to us, but to his con- the district I now represent was RON’s my house, my car, my good name, but stituents, as has been mentioned here former district, and his legacy was never, never, never, ever a stroke a several times, RON did not win his first hard to keep up with. As a matter of hole. Signed, RON PACKARD.’’ race right off the bat. RON won a write- fact, when I go up there, they used to God bless you, RON. We love you. in race. Now, with a name like ROHR- tell me, well, ‘‘RON didn’t do it that Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield ABACHER, I can tell my colleagues that way, DUKE.’’ But RON gave me a lot of now to the gentleman from California that would have been absolutely impos- guidance. (Mr. ROHRABACHER). sible, but even with a name like PACK- RON PACKARD, DUNCAN HUNTER, my- Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, it ARD, which anybody can spell, it has self and represent is my honor to be here tonight to honor only happened 4 times in the entire his- North County, San Diego and San RON PACKARD. It is not a happy occa- tory of the United States Congress. Diego City, both on authorization and sion, however. It is not happy, and it Why did this happen? What was the appropriations, and I want to thank does not make me happy and does not issue which made people in his district you for your leadership and what you make us happy that we will not have take the time to fill out that name? were able to help us with. Not only RON PACKARD with us to help us and to What was it that motivated them? from the appropriations, but RON also guide us and direct us and to cheer us What was the crying need that said, we knows how to breach partisanship and in the years ahead in this body. need RON PACKARD in that first elec- work with Members on the other side, We will remain friends, we will re- tion? It was one word, and the word is as you just witnessed with JOE BACA. main people who respect RON PACKARD integrity. The people in his district But he is no nonsense, and his style forever, but we will sorely miss you. knew that they needed integrity and is that of a grandfather to a child. If This is something that I say from the they called out for it and they knew you were bad on this House floor, or heart. that RON PACKARD was the candidate, very partisan, RON, through his leader- RON has been a father figure, espe- even though they had to go out of the ship, was not above going after some- cially for those of us in the Republican way and do more work to get him in by body that was partisan. He was also Party and the Republican delegation writing his name in, to get him in this

VerDate 25-OCT-2000 05:02 Oct 26, 2000 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25OC7.203 pfrm02 PsN: H25PT1 October 25, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10887 position. Of course, since then he has extraordinarily divisive: Californians who has done so much during his 18 been winning every election by huge all hate each other; the Democrats and years here in this body for the State of majorities. Republicans do not get along; the Re- California and everybody not only who As a Member of Congress and the publicans are all divided; the Demo- lives in his district, but in mine and in dean of the Orange County delegation, crats are all divided. If the truth were Mr. MCKEON’s, Mr. HUNTER’S, Mr. he has given all of us direction. We to be known, we rally, and RON PACK- DREIER’S, and others. I know the gen- have looked at his hard work, we have ARD was key to putting together the tleman from California (Mr. HUNTER) looked at his fairness and his willing- kind of solidarity which we frankly do has some great stories that are coming. ness always to lend a helping hand to enjoy today. We have heard them in our luncheons others on both sides of the aisle, and I will always remember many late- and been regaled with them. They are yes, to give advice. We look at those night meetings which members of the good. I hope that they are presented things as a role model for the rest of California congressional delegation and taken in the spirit of camaraderie us. I came in in 1988 and RON was al- held, and RON PACKARD was always that we have. ready a veteran. I will have to say that there. He had as a top priority bringing RON has a quiet leadership style that, what he has offered us and offered me our delegation together, and he was as the gentleman from California (Mr. personally has been very, very advan- key to that effort. DREIER) said, members of both sides of tageous. He has given me a lot of pro- Mr. Speaker, I have heard about his the aisle appreciate and, frankly, rally fessional guidance on how I should be wife, Jean, and this huge family, and around. He has been very fair to all operating here as a Member of Con- he is the only guy I know who will ac- members, regardless of party affili- gress, but he has also served as a role tually look you in the eye and say that ation. Frankly, I have only been here model and given professional advice, or he does not know the names of some of for just about 2 years now, but in my I should say personal advice. his relatives. Somebody talked about short time, I have tried to emulate his RON is a model for us, both profes- the fact that he has a number of grand- qualities: humility, fairness, honesty, sionally and personally. RON, I might children and 7 children, and that when accountability, and frankly, the integ- add, in the last election showed his val- they have family reunions, the Pack- rity that just comes. If one gets the ards have hundreds, I think it may be ues and showed how important values chance to work with RON, it just comes are to him by taking a lead in Cali- even thousands, who gather together out. It is just so clear. His qualities fornia in trying to pass the Save the for family reunions. It is a very, very have won him many friends and admir- Family or Protect the Family Act, impressive family that he has. I hope ers here in Washington and in Cali- one day he gets to meet all of them. which is basically designed to protect fornia, as we can see from him being I will say that when we look at the the institution of the family in Cali- returned 8 times from his initial elec- work that he has done on the Sub- fornia. Also, the efforts he has made to committee on Energy and Water, most tion. make sure that the Boy Scouts are not Mr. Speaker, on the Subcommittee recently, I have to say that this very forced into lowering their moral stand- on Energy and Water, Mr. PACKARD has soft-spoken dentist, the former mayor ards or giving up the word ‘‘God’’ in provided critical assistance for the of Carlsbad, has stood up in meetings, their scout oath. safety of Americans across the Nation and now that he is getting ready to Mr. Speaker, I was just married 3 and particularly for Californians and leave, I think I can share this, that he years ago, and I will close with this. I has made it very clear that if Members specifically for people who live in the hope that I have as much happiness in of Congress have been fortunate Sacramento area. He understands our my life and that it shows on my face enough to have their issues that are challenges along the Sacramento River and in my life as much as RON’s family priorities for them included in legisla- and the American River, and his work life and the happiness and joy that he tion, they had better vote for the legis- has led to a significant increase in the has had has had on his life, because he level of flood protection for the people lation. RON very calmly, very firmly has been a shining example to all of us makes that statement, and he does it that live in my area, and for this I am of what marriage and what love be- with a kind of confidence that only a grateful. It makes a difference. tween people is all about. We will miss powerful cardinal can exercise around Mr. Speaker, RON PACKARD, as others you, RON. Your presence will not be here. have said, is very devoted to his fam- forgotten; it will shine on as long as So we are going to miss RON. The ily, which is and always has been his the rest of us are here. Thank you very gentleman from California (Mr. most important priority in life. As he much for all you have done for us and HUNTER) and I were just talking about takes his bride, Jean, and returns to for what you have done for the United the fact that RON is our junior col- California and leaves this august body, States of America. league. We had the privilege of coming I know that he will enjoy spending Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield here with back in 1980 time again with them in the manner in now to the gentleman from California and then, as many have said, RON which perhaps every one of us should, (Mr. DREIER), the chairman of the Com- shocked the world of being the person, and devoting more time to those that mittee on Rules. I guess the fourth, to win that famous he loves as family members. I say to Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I feel write-in election, and the gentleman the gentleman, I appreciate your lead- compelled to be very kind to RON, be- from California (Mr. HUNTER) has all ership and guidance, and you will be cause as I have been listening to some kinds of stories about that write-in missed. Godspeed. of my other colleagues who are going election that he will probably share Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to follow me, I think that this will end with us. now to the gentleman from Michigan up as something other than a love fest. So let me just say to RON and Jean, (Mr. KNOLLENBERG), a colleague of Mr. I have just heard a story that has not his wonderful wife who has stood by PACKARD’s on the Committee on Appro- been shared with me that in fact our him, and I have had the privilege of priations. colleagues will get to hear from my traveling with them and spending time Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I dear friend and classmate, the gen- with other members of their family, thank the gentleman for yielding. tleman from California (Mr. HUNTER) they will be sorely missed. The Cali- Mr. Speaker, I too rise this evening in a few minutes about RON’s earlier fornia delegation has come together in to pay tribute to RON PACKARD, who I life. large part due to the commitment that consider to be a distinguished states- So let me take a couple of minutes RON PACKARD made to that goal, and I man from the State of California, and and be very kind. I know that many shall always be grateful to him for on this occasion of his retirement at people focus on the divisiveness that that. the end of the 106th Congress, I wish exists here in the Congress and the par- Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield him well. tisan antipathy that regularly goes on, now to another strong member of our I have known RON and I have known but there is, in fact, a camaraderie. delegation, the gentleman from Cali- his wife, Jean. I have not known the 7 Then, when we look at the California fornia (Mr. OSE). children and, I believe, 34 grand- congressional delegation, the Cali- Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to children and the great grandchildren, fornia delegation is known for being give my thanks also to Mr. PACKARD but that will come. I have had the

VerDate 25-OCT-2000 05:38 Oct 26, 2000 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25OC7.205 pfrm02 PsN: H25PT1 H10888 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 2000 pleasure to travel with he and Jean on timely and reasonable piece of legisla- Christ of Latter Day Saints. And RON some CODELs, I would not say around tion that covered all of those bases, served for many days for the instructor the world, but certainly to various and it took patience and it took of priesthood group. parts of the world, and we have had I thoughtfulness and it took courtesy, I might add ORRIN and Elaine HATCH think some very interesting experi- and he had all of those qualities to are members of that ward. And Jean, of ences on those trips and I have gotten meet and deal with people and with course. RON and Jean’s daughter Lisa. to know he and Jean. We find that his their requests. We miss them, I must say, as they have dedication to his family and to his RON PACKARD’s retirement will leave been wrapping up their affairs and church is very, very strong. It is un- a set of shoes that will be difficult, if making the transition completely back wavering. The fact that he is a dentist not impossible, to fill. Mr. Speaker, I to California. and that he moved from being a dentist think I echo the sentiments of all of They have moved back with their into Congress is a little bit of a change, the Members who have spoken here family, and we do not see RON so much I guess, but others do the same from this evening in saying that this gen- in that capacity, but we did see him the field of medicine, so that is not so tleman will certainly be missed. there this last Sunday. unusual. But he has made the change I am certain that RON will make good Anyway, I treasure those memories. and he has done it, as somebody has al- use of his time in the coming months. Lastly, but not least and most di- ready said, several members have men- I can only guess that golf courses rectly related to our legislative life, I tioned the fact that he was only the around the country will be richer, will had the privilege of working with RON fourth member, only the fourth in his- be the richer for it. RON, congratula- on a very important issue to Cali- tory to actually come to the House via tions to you and to Jean. Enjoy your fornia, the subject of water and specifi- the write-in process. I never believed retirement, and thank you very much. cally, the subject of cow fed. RON is the anybody could get here by the write-in Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield chairman of the Subcommittee on En- process, but RON did. The residents of now to another good friend of RON’s ergy and Water Development, and as his district in southern California have and a member of the California delega- we all know, there is an appropriations seen fit to send him back to Wash- tion (Mr. DOOLITTLE). subcommittee that handles the money ington, and by overwhelming majori- to be spent for each of the different b 2000 ties, every election since, back to 1982. policy committees. I think well they should, because RON Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I The policy subcommittee that I chair PACKARD has been a respected and dedi- want to thank the gentleman from is the Subcommittee on Water and cated member of this House ever since. California (Mr. MCKEON) for organizing Power. And so we worked rather close- He has served his California constitu- this special order. ly together on this very contentious ents well. Not only that, he has served RON is obviously someone who is issue of water, and that is really not the Nation well, and that includes his looked upon very favorably here in the resolved as of this moment and will be service in the Navy and his time as the House and who is a friend to all. And in taken up in the next Congress. mayor of Carlsbad, California and, of the frenetic pace that we have, we do But I do want to say this, rather than course, the 18 years here in the House. not take time to stop and pause upon simply doing whatever he liked as the As we know, RON PACKARD is the the contributions of any given indi- appropriations chairman, because chairman of the House Subcommittee vidual until the time of his or her re- frankly, if that power is used in that on Energy and Water, and it has been tirement. fashion, legislating on appropriations my privilege to serve with him on that It is unfortunate that it is that way, bills can occur and can occur contrary committee as well as on the Sub- but at least we do have this occasion to to whatever the policy committee committee on Foreign Operations for pause for that moment, and many would like to have happen. I do not the past few years. He has also served, things have been said. RON has a very think that that is appropriate, but it as we know, on the Subcommittee on interesting life and a number of signifi- occasionally happens around here. Military Construction and the Sub- cant accomplishments. It did not happen with RON and his committee on Legislative Appropria- I just want to provide just two or subcommittee, and I really value, RON, tions, as well as his efforts on the Sub- three brief snapshots of my encounters how closely you worked with us and committee on Transportation. with RON. When I was a brand-new the authorizers to try to reach an ac- I can assure my colleagues that the Member here, 10 years ago, I would commodation on that. You and I and Energy and Water bill is no easy task, take the Metro in; and so if we stayed our committees were together, but not and let me say a little bit about why. late at night, although I could have all the parties in this process were, and It was only through RON’s tireless dedi- taken the Metro back out, RON lived so it has not worked out yet; but you cation and self sacrifice that made dif- out near us, and he was kind enough to certainly gave it the maximum effort. I ficult matters appear mundane. Energy give me a ride. am convinced the foundation that we and Water runs the gamut of issues, So he introduced me to an inter- laid will eventually be built upon to re- hitting upon matters of national and esting way of getting home. But the solve this problem. energy security. That bill provides best way, and I always take it when- Lastly, the last personal snapshot, as vital important funding for such items ever I am driving, and that is you go you heard what a great golfer RON is, as the Nation’s stockpile stewardship, down 395 South. You get off at Maine and I think he is one of the best in the Cold War weapons plant cleanup and Avenue. You go past the Jefferson and House. But he and his wife also love energy supply, only to name a few. But Vietnam Veterans and Lincoln Memo- games, board games, and we had a cou- here is the part that gets tough. It not rials right along the Potomac River. ple of delightful evenings over the only funds hundreds, even thousands, There are quite a few little turns you years enjoying those experiences to- of local water priorities performed by have to know how to make, but you gether as couples. the Corps of Engineers and conducted end up going up over the Theodore So I want to say thank you. We will in just about every Member’s district, Roosevelt Bridge looking past the Ken- miss you, and Godspeed in your new and the member from California has nedy Center, and you are on 66 West. endeavors. brought balance, he has brought com- And, RON, every time I go that way I Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to mon sense in approaching the Energy have you to thank for that. I think of the gentleman from San Diego, Cali- and Water bill discussions during his you. I think of you every single time. I fornia (Mr. HUNTER), another good tenure. In fact, this year, RON PACKARD do think of you teaching me how to get friend. had to deal with some 3,000 requests. home that way. Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I want to Now, those were not all Member re- We have another thing that is some- thank the gentleman from California quests, but a good many were and the what unusual. When we were not back (Mr. MCKEON) for putting this special rest came from a variety of sources. All in our districts and happened to be order together, and we talked about of these have to come before the com- here for the weekend, RON and I were the serious side of RON I think a little mittee, all have to be dealt with. His members of the same congregation, the too much tonight. I need to tell you a hard work and dedication resulted in a Oakton Ward of The Church of Jesus couple of stories about this guy.

VerDate 25-OCT-2000 05:38 Oct 26, 2000 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25OC7.207 pfrm02 PsN: H25PT1 October 25, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H10889 The first story is, a number of people ried that sense of humor over to today. does not dwell on himself a lot. We have talked about his patriotic service In fact, he has a great sense of humor. have had little cabals, as the gen- to the Nation as a Naval officer, in- He actually told the gentleman from tleman from California (Mr. DREIER) deed, a dentist; and there is one story California (Mr. CUNNINGHAM) and I we said in the California delegation. I like that is floating around Southern Cali- had good golf swings before he pro- a good cabal myself, and a good secret fornia about a certain dentist who was ceeded to take us for a small wager, of meeting; RON PACKARD is a guy that seeing a large number of recruits. They course not illegal; but we have had a likes to bring people together and likes were running them through pretty rap- lot of fun out there playing golf. to put oil in the water and bring out idly, filling teeth, pulling a few here RON is a fairly tight-fisted guy. I had the best in everyone. and there and getting them in shape to an opportunity to actually make a He really epitomizes what is best go overseas. hole-in-one in a golf tournament that about this Congress. He has got a good RON and his cohort there, the other my colleagues played in, and I thought heart. He looks you in the eye. He dentist who worked in the office, de- I would get a car. But I was informed helps you whenever he can, and he is a cided they would have a little fun. It that since RON was running the tour- great citizen. And I cannot help but involved a new technique, the tech- nament, I would not get any car. And I think that it was that upbringing that nique of utilizing dynamite to remove think I got just a couple of dollars for the 17 boys and girls, 14 boys and 3 bad teeth. So they had a rather large, making this fabulous hole-in-one, even girls, on the Snake River Plains of naive young man who was in the chair, though another member of the con- and all that hard work that they a little bit apprehensive about this ference then got a very nice car after had to endure and keeping that family dental work that was to begin. he made a hole-in-one a couple of tour- going without a father that made RON RON very ceremoniously opened up a naments later. PACKARD what he is. large volume, a big book; and he said RON wanted to present me with my We have been better for his presence. we are going to try the new blasting car this year, which I understand was a God bless you, RON. technique on your teeth. I hope you small model about 5 inches long; so, Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield to like it. It is experimental, and RON pro- RON, I want to get that as soon as pos- another good friend of Mr. PACKARD’s, ceeded to take a piece, a little roll of sible. the gentleman from South Carolina gauze that he dipped in iodine that My other favorite story about RON (Mr. CLYBURN), who served with him on looked like a miniature dynamite PACKARD involves his family, and it in- the Committee on Appropriations. stick. volves where he comes from in that Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I sat in And as this horrified recruit, who had great area of the Snake River Plains in my office listening to speeches being been promised good dental care in the Idaho, where people work from dawn to made, and I thought to myself how U.S. Navy, lay back in that chair with dark and have a tremendous work ethic many times I had shared in private just a look of horror on his face, RON and where everybody looks the other conversations with so many people inserted this small stick of dynamite guy right straight in the eye and where both in this Congress and outside, how under one of the molars or on top of literally a big piece of American wil- much admiration and respect I had for one of his molars, he looked back at derness was carved into a very produc- RON PACKARD. I thought to myself, maybe this is a good time to share with the book and he said it now says we tive land, and that is where RON and have to attach the fuse, and he pulled his 16 brothers and sisters, 14 boys and the world at large exactly what some of my feelings are for him. out a piece of dental floss, which if you 3 girls, grew up near Meridian, Idaho, Mr. Speaker, I met RON first when I light it will in fact fizzle and sputter and the Snake River Plains there. showed up to play in one of his golf and acted something like a fuse, then His father was working for Morrison, tournaments, and I think when he saw he plugged the fuse into the small stick Knudson just prior to the Japanese me, he thought maybe I had strayed on of dynamite that was laying on top of bombing in Pearl Harbor in World War to the wrong golf course. But we struck II, and he was on Wake Island. He was a now horrified recruit’s back molar. up a relationship on that day; and RON then, a very, very solemn man. working as a civilian worker. When some time after that, I was elected by We all know RON can be a solemn per- Wake Island was taken shortly after my party to serve on the Committee on son. When RON is solemn we all get sol- the bombing of Pearl Harbor he was Appropriations and of course I sought a emn, and he very solemnly skipped a captured by the Japanese. His father seat on the Committee on Energy and few lines in the book, and he says to became a POW. Water Development, and much to my his friend, his fellow dentist, that we I think what his father did in that pleasant surprise, I found out that RON have to take cover. So they led the fuse POW camp represents the character PACKARD was the Chair of that sub- that RON took on, and that has fol- over behind the desk and got down be- committee. hind the desk; and RON then lit the lowed him all of his life, and that is I cannot think of anybody with whom fuse, and as this fuse sputtered and fiz- that RON’s dad who became a POW was I have worked since being in this body zled and the flame, the spark got closer taken on one of the so-called hell ships that I felt more fairly treated than the and closer to this young recruit, the re- to Japan and treated very brutally, time I spent on that subcommittee. cruit got more and more agitated, as helped to take care of the other POWs. And of course, I took leave from the you may imagine, and finally leaped up He became the historian of the POW committee and am still on leave from with a squeak and raced out of the of- camp, and he wrote down the history of that committee and his subcommittee. fice. all of the members of that POW camp, We still find time to interact with each RON was required shortly thereafter and he kept a log on what happened to other. to visit the commanding officer. And them. As you know, 30 percent of our Quite frankly, I am not too sure he this is pure RON PACKARD. He has got- POWs were killed in World War II that didn’t treat me more fairly in my ab- ten away with stuff all of his life. He were incarcerated in Japan. sence than he would have if I had been very solemnly went in and began to ex- He hid that little history, as I recall, there to argue my case in person. But plain what had happened very truth- in a piece of bamboo. And when he this past Members golf tournament I fully, and his commanding officer came back to the States, he made sure had the opportunity to play in a four- wanted to be very severe, but after RON that he contacted every family that some with RON PACKARD, and I always had gone about halfway through the had a loved one in that POW camp and thought of how much I admired and re- story, his commanding officer could gave them the history of their loved spected him, until that day when he not help himself, and he burst out one, who in most cases did not make it politely taught me just how much bet- laughing. back or in many cases did not make it ter a golfer he is than I am, but he did He finally just admonished RON and back before he went back to his own it in such a way that I really enjoyed his colleague to get out of there, so family, and then like RON PACKARD, he that thumping you gave me on that they left. They promised not to harass told them, all the kids, what had hap- day. any more recruits, and that is one of pened, and then he talked very little b my favorite Navy stories. about it. And that is RON. 2015 But that epitomizes the sense of He is the kind of guy who has got But all of that aside, as I said earlier, humor that RON has and RON has car- great character, a great caring and in this body, I think, as some things

VerDate 25-OCT-2000 05:02 Oct 26, 2000 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25OC7.208 pfrm02 PsN: H25PT1 H10890 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 2000 get contentious, we often plead our RON in that way personally, and it has chairman on the Committee on Appro- partisan cases in such a way that even been a lot of fun. I hope we have the priations who took his trust so seri- we are often not proud of how we have opportunity to continue to do that ously that, in discharging it, he actu- done it. But I have never seen an in- even after he retires, because we are ally reduced spending. stance when my interaction with RON Southern California neighbors. When RON PACKARD first became a PACKARD was not of the highest regards It has been mentioned because it is chairman on the Committee on Appro- for each other. such an extraordinary fact of RON’s ca- priations in 1995, he quickly sent a bill I wanted to come to the floor tonight reer here how he got here in the first to the floor of the House of Representa- and say how much I appreciate serving place, one of only four Americans in tives that did not just cut spending for with him, how much I appreciate my our national history to come to this the benefit of taxpayers, it cut spend- friendship with him, and to wish him people’s House as a write-in candidate. ing at home where, presumably, it Godspeed in all that is before him in It is extraordinary in a time in elec- would hurt Members of Congress them- life and let him know that, if ever he tion season right now when we are all selves most, in our own legislative comes to South Carolina, I want to talking about campaign finance reform budget. He cut spending by Congress on repay that thumping on the golf course and the nefarious influence of special itself by fully one-third, an extraor- that he gave me not too long ago. I interests to think about what this dinary achievement when we had a new thank him and Godspeed. means in RON’s case. RON got here in majority, a new Congress, under the Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield exactly the opposite way, not because leadership of RON PACKARD. now to the gentleman from Orange of special interests, not because he was In fact, throughout his career in the County, California (Mr. COX), one of even the nominee of a major party. He majority as a cardinal, as a chairman the leaders of our California delega- was not. He had to run against the on the Committee on Appropriations, tion. Democratic nominee, run against the RON PACKARD has been garnering Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Republican nominee as an individual. awards, not for bringing home the gentleman from California very much He was RON PACKARD first and became bacon, but from such groups as Ameri- for yielding to me. the party’s standard bearer thereafter cans for Tax Reform, which rated him Mr. Speaker, I want to join with this because the people wrote him in. a taxpayer’s hero, and the National distinguished group of Members on ON ACKARD R P and I share another Taxpayers Union, which rated RON both sides of the aisle in paying tribute distinction that I am very proud of. PACKARD an appropriator and a chair- to my friend and our colleague, this Possibly this means more to a Repub- man and a cardinal in the top 5 percent great national leader from Southern lican than a Democrat. But RON and I of people in this entire Congress inter- California, RON PACKARD. are the only Members to have our leg- ested in cutting spending. I, too, have enjoyed listening to the islation become law, notwithstanding This is an extraordinary accomplish- stories tonight on the floor, and I hope the veto of President Clinton, in two ment and something, Mr. Speaker, that the gentleman from California (Mr. full terms of the Clinton administra- the gentleman from California (Mr. PACKARD) has, too. There are many to tion: in my case, the Securities Litiga- PACKARD) can not only be proud of, but tell about a man whose time here in tion Reform Act; in his case something that all of his colleagues here are Congress has done so much to improve even more important, I have to say, proud of. He has made us all proud. Ev- our national life and to improve this and that is rebuilding our Nation’s erything that he has done in his career, institution. military. even before he came to Congress, as a RON and Jean and their seven chil- Because as the chairman of the Sub- local leader, as a mayor, as a member dren and their 34 grandchildren are a committee on Military Construction of of the city council, as a dentist with family that the Packards have made us our Committee on Appropriations, he his own practice has distinguished him. all feel a part of. I have met some, but put before this House what was nec- not all of the Packard family. Perhaps essary to rebuild our military, to pro- But in this Congress for 18 years, ev- someday I will be able to do that. But vide the resources that armed services eryone on both sides of the aisle, as the the family members that I have been needed. He convinced our colleagues on gentleman is hearing tonight from his introduced to and I have met are fine both sides of the aisle. They voted to friends, has found him to be scru- men and women that say a lot about support his legislation. The same was pulously honest in his dealings, to be always fair, and, just as importantly, RON and Jean. true down the corridor in the other I have my own much younger family. body, the United States Senate. to be hard working and is represented It seems to me, given the natural lim- We sent that legislation to the Presi- by the fact that he got here as a write- its to mortal life, I can never catch up. dent. When the President made the in candidate, a citizen legislator. The But I know from the task of being a fa- rare decision to cast a veto that he gentleman from California (Mr. PACK- ther what a measure of our own worth should not have, the Congress reacted ARD) is, in short, everything that a that is. That is one and only one, a big quickly and supported RON PACKARD, Member of Congress should be, every- one, area of RON’s life in which he has even against the wishes of the Presi- thing a national leader should be. set an example for the rest of us. dent of the United States, because they It is well said that ours is a govern- When I first came to Congress, I had knew he was supporting the United ment of, by and for the people. The for the opportunity to serve on the Public States military and that he was right. and by parts are very important. But Works and Transportation Committee Now, it should be said about a Repub- remember that it is also a government with my neighbor in Orange County to lican who serves on the Committee on of the people, and that this Congress, the south, RON PACKARD. RON was and Appropriations that there are tempta- which manufacturers nothing, is sim- is an expert in aviation, served on that tions. The whole term limits move- ply the sum of the people who populate as well as other subcommittees in the ment has a reason in America because it, the people who were chosen by the Congress, and continued to have even of those temptations, because people voters to come back here. greater influence in that area on the who serve too long in Washington find Therefore, by being who he has been, Committee on Appropriations where, it too easy to spend other people’s the fine gentleman that he has been as has been remarked upon several money on pork barrel projects, on and is, the leader that he has been, the times tonight, he is a cardinal, a term wasteful Washington ways. Sometimes exemplar that he has been for all of us, of reverence, well deserved in his case they forget about the people back he have improved this institution, the for someone who wields extraordinary home. It is sad to say that temptation people’s House. The Congress of the power of the purse in our constitu- is strongest when one is closest to the United States and thus our country is tional system. money on the committee charged with the better for it. I have had the opportunity even to spending it, the Committee on Appro- It has been a privilege to know the have some vacation dinners with RON priations in the House and in the Sen- gentleman from California (Mr. PACK- and Jean. Rebecca and I have shared a ate. ARD) and to work with him, and I look nice meal at some romantic spots in So how honored have we been as forward to continuing our friendship in Hawaii together and gotten to know American citizens to be served by a the years ahead.

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