Sam Gibbons: “Mr. Speaker, Senate 1814, introduced by Senator Kit Bond of Missouri, would transfer the management of the Mingo Job…”

“Mr. Speaker, Senate 1814, introduced by Senator Kit Bond of Missouri, would transfer the management of the Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center from the Department of the Interior to the Department of Agriculture. This bill was overwhelmingly adopted by the other body, and it is identical to H.R. 3433 as proposed by our distinguished colleague from Missouri (Mrs. Emerson). This center is located within the boundaries of the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and it provides basic training and educational skills to hundreds of at-risk students between the ages of 16 and 24. These students can learn a variety of trades including automotive repair, bricklaying, carpentry, welding and culinary arts. In addition, they obtain critical experience, socialization skills and the confidence they will need to be successful in the workplace. This legislation is necessary because the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act stipulates that the transfer cannot occur administratively. Both agencies strongly support this realignment. This is a good bill.”