Leonard C. Burch Post Office Building

LEONARD C. BURCH POST OFFICE BUILDING -- (House of Representatives - October 06, 2004)

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in consideration of H.R. 5051, legislation naming a U.S. postal facility in Ignacio, Colorado, as the "Leonard C. Burch Post Office."

The gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis), a Republican, introduced this measure which enjoys the support and cosponsorship of the entire Colorado delegation on September 9, 2004.

Leonard C. Burch was the long-time leader of the Southern Ute tribe of Colorado. He is credited with bringing his tribe from the brink of bankruptcy and into solvency. Through his efforts, the tribe became a major player in the energy development market with assets of $1.5 billion.

As part of the Council For Energy Resource Tribes, Burch was instrumental in improving energy development in tribes throughout the country. Mr. Burch was also regarded as a skilled diplomat and testified before Congress on numerous occasions advocating for greater tribal control over its own resources.

Mr. Burch passed away last year after suffering a heart attack at the age of 69. We join the Southern Ute Tribe in their loss, for not only have they lost a great leader, but also the United States has lost a truly great man. I urge swift passage of this resolution.

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