Joe Skeen Federal Building

JOE SKEEN FEDERAL BUILDING -- (House of Representatives - September 22, 2004)

Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3734) to designate the Federal building located at Fifth and Richardson Avenues in Roswell, New Mexico, as the "Joe Skeen Federal Building."

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Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 3734, introduced by my colleague, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), designates the Federal building located at Fifth and Richardson Avenues in Roswell, New Mexico, as the Joe Skeen Federal Building.

Congressman Skeen was born and raised on his family's farm outside of Roswell, New Mexico. In 1948, Congressman Skeen enlisted in the United States Navy and served for 1 year before transferring to the United States Air Force Reserves, where he served from 1949 until 1952.

Following his military service, Congressman Skeen attended and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural engineering.

After graduation, Congressman Skeen worked as a soil and water engineer for the Zuni and Ramah Navajo Indians. He later purchased and ran his family's sheep ranch.

Congressman Skeen was long dedicated to public service. He was first elected to public office in 1960 where he won a seat in the New Mexico State senate. He served until 1970. For the last 6 years of his time in the State senate, he served as the minority leader.

In 1980, Congressman Skeen ran as a write-in candidate and was elected to serve in New Mexico's 2nd District in the United States House of Representatives. Congressman Skeen served in this body for 11 terms.

Congressman Skeen was known for his commitment to property rights, balancing the Federal budget and increased tax relief. He may have been most influential as chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, enhancing the agricultural viability in both New Mexico and throughout the United States. He was also chairman of the Subcommittee on Interior and Related Agencies, dealing with natural resources and public land use.

I support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to my colleague, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson).

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Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Pearce).

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Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the gentlewoman from Texas and the speakers here today as they honor Joe Skeen. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3734 in naming the Federal Building in Roswell, New Mexico, for our former colleague.

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Mr. BURNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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