[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 131 (Tuesday, October 8, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       JOE SKEEN FEDERAL BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 7, 2002

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H.R. 5427, a bill to designate the Federal Building in Roswell, New 
Mexico, the ``Joe Skeen Federal Building.'' As we regretfully 
acknowledge, the gentleman from New Mexico will be retiring at the 
conclusion of the 107th Congress. Joe Skeen, a Roswell native, has 
served his New Mexico constituents and his country admirably over the 
past 20 years. This legislation is a fitting tribute to commemorate 
Joe's achievements and service.
  As a Members of Congress, we often work with colleagues from 
different parts of the country and from across the aisle. It has been a 
great privilege to have worked with Joe Skeen. Since his first election 
in 1980, he has served on the Appropriations Committee, chairing the 
Subcommittee on Agriculture and currently, the Subcommittee on the 
Interior. Joe has always been a true gentlemen and a straight shooter. 
When dealing with Joe, I always know Joe will give me a fair hearing on 
an issue and try to accommodate me when he could and politely said 
``no'' when he couldn't. I could also always depend on Joe telling me a 
good story to underscore the point he was making.
  On a personal note, I have had the pleasure of working with the 
gentlemen from New Mexico to further the progress of Parkinson's 
Disease research in America. In 1999, along with my colleagues--Mr. 
Evans, Mr. Mark Udall, Tom Udall, and Mr. Waxman, Mr. Skeen and I--
formed the Congressional Working Group on Parkinson's Disease.
  Mr. Skeen has been a true leader in the fight against Parkinson's 
Disease. The Working Group has sought to increase awareness among 
Members of Congress on Parkinson's related issues. Most importantly, 
the Working Group has advocated for accelerated and increased funding 
for Parkinson's research in the hopes that we soon find the cure for 
what leading scientists call the most curable neurological disorder.
  We have had some significant success--since the start of the caucus, 
the National Institutes of Health's spending on Parkinson's has 
increased by 28 percent--a 43 million dollar increase over FY 2000. And 
we have Mr. Skeen, in great part, to thank for this.
  Joe also was critical in helping to secure a funding increase for the 
Department of Defense's Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Research Program. 
The FY 2002 bill contained $17 million in funding for the program, a $2 
million increase over FY 2001. This environmental research not only 
strives to improve the treatment of neurological diseases, but also 
aims to identify the causes of the disease and prevent them.
  We will carry on the fight to cure Parkinson's, in part, inspired by 
the legacy of the great Joe Skeen.
  In closing, I have so appreciated Joe's wit and his great sense of 
commitment to important issues such as Parkinson's Disease, and his 
overall commitment to public service.
  I fully support this bill to honor my esteemed friend and colleague 
Joe Skeen for all of his legislative accomplishments as his service in 
Congress. I hope Joe enjoys his retirement, it is well deserved!
  Joe Skeen is a true national treasure.

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