Barbara Boxer

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask that the quorum call be dispensed with.

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I listened to the Senator from Ohio and I want to be heard because he is talking about the fiscal cliff and how upset he is at the thought that the wealthiest people in America might go back to the tax rates we had under Bill Clinton when we had the greatest prosperity, we had 23 million new jobs, and we balanced the budget to the point where we even had a surplus. My friend comes down here and complains that the proposal on the table would give 98 percent of the people a tax cut and he is upset that 2 percent of the people might have to go back to the rates under Bill Clinton. I want to say something. We just had an election. We had a big election. We had a tough election. We had an expensive election. One of the major parts of that election revolved around what do we do about the deficits, what do we do about economic growth, what do we do about spending. We discussed it in the Senate races, we discussed it in the House races, and, of course, President Obama and candidate Governor Romney discussed it again and again. My friend talks about consensus. Let me tell my colleagues the consensus. More than 60 percent of the people agree with President Obama and the Democrats that we ought to climb down off this fiscal cliff in the next 5 minutes and pass what the Senate passed, which is to renew all the Bush tax cuts and go back to those over $250,000 to the rates of Bill Clinton. That is what we passed here. That would bring us almost $1 trillion over 10 years. That will get us to climb down that cliff. Then we have other parts of the cliff, there is no question about it, including the automatic sequester. I think it is easy to deal with that by bringing home some of the overseas account money and applying it to the sequester and getting rid of at least half of that sequester, and maybe all of the sequester. But, no, people are going to listen to these speeches every day about how we are obsessed with taxes. What are people talking about when they say obsessed with taxes? I will tell my colleagues what I am obsessed about. I am obsessed with the fact that we passed a tax cut for 98 percent of the American people and our friends are so worried about the millionaires and the billionaires that they will not allow that bill to be voted on in the House. So people can stand up here morning, noon, and night, and I want them to and I respect their views, believe me, but I do not agree with them. It is no wonder that the American people are confused. We know we have the fiscal cliff. We know we don't want to see tax rates go up for the middle class. Yet the Republicans say they are going to hold up all those tax breaks for 98 percent of our people because they want to hold on to the tax breaks for billionaires and for millionaires. We had an election about that. People agreed with us. I suppose we are going to have to hear these speeches every day about how we are going to grow our way out of the deficit. We are going to grow our way out of the deficit? Really? Look what happened under George W. Bush. He inherited surpluses. He turned it into deficits as far as the eye can see, with huge tax cuts to the millionaires and billionaires--huge--the very tax cuts our friends are defending right now. He did two wars on the credit card and we wound up in a mess. So we have to come together with the best ideas that we can have. I know we can reach agreement. But let's do the first step, which is to take care of 98 percent of the people. The Republicans want to have tax breaks for 100 percent of the people. We are saying: Can you take 98 percent? If I stopped you on the street and said: I am willing to give you 98 percent of what you say you want, and you walk away from me, and you attack me, and you say I am not ready to do anything, I honestly think people would scratch their heads. So I think it is clear. The Senate passed a bill to renew the tax breaks for 98 percent of the people. We are saying up to $250,000 in income, we go right back to those Bush tax cut rates. But over $250,000, we go to the Clinton years, pay a little bit more, so we can attack this deficit, so we can make the investments we need to make in this great country of ours. I will tell you, if the Republicans can do this, we are going to see smiles on the faces of the people. I was very happy to see that Tom Cole over in the House, who was the head of the RCC, the Republican Congressional Committee over there, says it is time to come to an agreement on that proposal. So I say to the Republicans: We are giving you 98 percent. Take it. Then let's sit down and debate the rest of it. There are a lot of other things we have to do. There is the AMT. We have to do a doc fix. We have to do a lot of other things. I am willing to compromise on those things. But let's at least get those tax cuts in place right now before this holiday season so that the middle class knows they are not going to face a tax increase. I can say honestly that the American people would think we were doing the right thing if we were to see the House take up the Senate bill and pass it. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mrs. BOXER. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I move to reconsider the vote.

Ms. BOXER

Ms. BOXER. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Reserving the right----

Mrs. BOXER. Reserving the right to object and I will not object, I want to speak for 20 seconds. This is what I want to say. There are amendments and there are amendments. We all know that. I think we have shown that we can work together. But when you try to repeal a law that protects the lives of people--you talk about protecting rights, I am with you. I also want to protect the lives of people. Coming from a State where we have had many mass shootings it may take a little longer. Maybe we ought to have a hearing or two before you repeal a law that is so important to the safety of the people. I will not object. I will see you all tomorrow.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Leigh Hasson, a fellow in Senator Begich's office be granted floor privileges for the consideration of S. 3254, DOD authorization bill.

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Shannon Beebe, a legal fellow in Senator Blumenthal's office, be granted floor privileges for the duration of the debate on the National Defense Authorization Act.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am going to be very proud to support amendment No. 2985. I think it has to do with our military readiness; I think it has to do with our national security; and I think that the fact that we have this opportunity is commendable. I thank Senator Udall for it. Striking section 313 is important because that section harms DOD's ability to diversify its fuel supplies by developing and using effective alternative fuels. Now, lots of colleagues can come down here and proclaim this isn't important or it is important. You know what. I want to listen to the DOD themselves and what they say. There was an Armed Forces press service news report in July 2012, and this is what they said: Smart investing and less reliance on petroleum-based fuels will help ensure an agile, lethal, and adaptable combat force, and, ultimately, national security. So, Mr. President, I was distraught when I heard that the Armed Services Committee, by one vote, put in the section that would stop the ability of the DOD to invest in these very important fuels so they can have an ``agile, lethal, and adaptable combat force and, ultimately, national security.'' Now this is coming from the DOD. Why on Earth would anyone support something that the DOD tried to take away, the ability of the DOD to have an agile force? I don't understand it. I can't understand it. The report also quotes Assistant Secretary of Defense Sharon Burke who said: The department is going to have ships, planes and vehicles that were designed to use petroleum fuels for a very long time to come. . . . [Alternative fuels] investment ensures our equipment can operate on a wide range of fuels, and that's important for our readiness over the long term. How many wars do we have to have over oil? How many wars do we have over oil? I can tell you a story from a colleague of mine who said he went up to the White House when George W. Bush was President before the Iraq war, and George W. Bush had pictures of all the oil wells in Iraq. If anyone says there was no connection to oil and that war, I would say they are wrong. I have met with many veterans who say the same thing. They don't want to go and fight and die for oil. So this is of critical importance, this vote. There is no more important mission for the Department of Defense than to fight and win battles needed to defend our Nation and return our troops home safely to their families. Section 313 could undercut the ability of the Department of Defense to achieve these goals. In a letter to Senator Udall, Vice Admiral Cullom said: Section 313-- That's the section we are trying to strike-- Section 313 is overly broad and has the potential to restrict investments that would address tactical and operational needs for our Navy. . . . As fuel technologies advance, the Navy may wish to test and satisfy multiple types of alternative fuel, including some that might be 100 percent alternative fuel, not a blend. Why would anyone in this Senate want to stop us from developing alternative fuels? I don't get it. We are trying so hard to become energy independent. We have made great success under President Obama with fuel economy in place and investment in alternative energy. The military says it is important for them to ``ensure an agile, lethal and adaptable combat force, and ultimately, national security.'' Their words. In addition to everything else, this is a need that the military has definitely outlined for us. A Statement of Administration Policy on the House Defense authorization bill, which contains a nearly identical provision, says that affecting DOD's ability to procure alternative fuels in this way would ``further increase America's reliance on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to geopolitical instability and endangering our interests abroad.'' Some of the same people who called for boycotts on Iran, which I support, somehow believe it is not important for us to be free from reliance on those kinds of countries for our oil. It makes no sense. We can't make these compartments. We are going after countries that have oil, and we are right to do it because they are dangerous, many of them. We are embargoing. We have embargoes on many of them. We have sanctions on many of them. At the same time, with the other hand we are saying to the DOD: Forget about alternative fuels. It makes no sense from a national security perspective. In addition to harming the military's ability to achieve its goals that I have outlined here, that were written very clearly by the Defense Department itself, section 313 precludes research into fuels such as hydrogen, which has the potential to power some military vehicles over much longer missions. I have been around a while. Something tells me Big Oil is calling the shots. I would hope not, but I don't understand why this section, which Senator Udall is trying to strike, is in this bill when the military says it is critical for them to continue this program. The section could also prevent DOD from purchasing fuels that are sold today in the United States, such as E-85, which is 85 percent ethanol. The Department of Defense has flex-fuel vehicles in its suite that can run on E-85. Can you imagine going after that as well? It would restrict DOD's efforts to develop technologies to generate fuel at tactical locations, including waste to energy. These are precisely the types of technologies in which the Nation should be investing. I thank Senator Udall for bringing this to our attention. This is a very important amendment, perhaps one of the most important I have voted on in a long time. I will close by saying this: If you believe this country should be energy independent, then vote with Senator Udall. If you believe it is dangerous for us to rely on oil from countries who want to cause us harm, then you should support the Udall amendment. If you believe it is good for our health, our environment, to invest in alternative energy, then vote for the Udall amendment. It is a win-win-win and, most of all, the military tells us we should continue this program. It is important so that we have an agile, adaptable force, and it is important for our national security. I will be proud to vote for this amendment. I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring LT Bobby Price, who died this month in Chula Vista, CA. For many years, I had the pleasure and honor of working with this great champion of America's veterans. In fact, just 2 months ago, despite his grave illness, Bobby traveled to Washington, DC as the representative of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to meet with me regarding veterans' healthcare, homelessness, and job opportunities for our returning troops. As always, I was impressed by Bobby's knowledge and understanding of issues affecting our veterans and by his passionate commitment to work on their behalf. During more than 24 years on active duty in the U.S. Navy, Bobby was known for his diligence and determination to carry out any task. Later, he brought this same zeal and perseverance to his work as an advocate for veterans. No matter how hard Bobby worked, he always made time for his family. As his wife, Julia, wrote, ``Day after day he showed me, our children and grandchildren how much he cared for us by giving his time, compassion and generous spirit.'' Bobby Price received many awards recognizing his remarkable dedication to veterans including the San Diego County Veteran of the Year award. He served as commander of all California Veterans of Foreign Wars posts and was active in other veterans organizations at the local, State, and national level. At the time of his death, he was president of the nonprofit Chula Vista Veterans Home Support Foundation and had served on the charity's board for 6 years. On behalf of the people of California, who have benefitted so much from Bobby's life and work, I send my deepest gratitude and condolences to his wife, Julia; his sons, Paul Hoch, Russ Price, Marcus Bush, and Adam Price; his daughter, Adriana Bush; and his five grandchildren. Bobby Price will be truly missed by all who were touched by his energy, passion for service, and devotion to his fellow veterans.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to commend the renowned attorney Duane Beeson, who is being honored this year with the Peggy Browning Fund Award in recognition of his tireless efforts and outstanding achievements on behalf of working men and women in the San Francisco Bay area. As senior partner in the law firm of Beeson, Tayer & Bodine, Duane Beeson is one of the Nation's leading practitioners of public and private sector labor law, including representation of employee benefit plans. He is a member of the California State Bar, the Supreme Court of the United States Bar, and several United States District Courts and Courts of Appeal Bars. Duane Beeson was born in Berkeley, CA in 1922 and graduated from Berkeley High School, where he met his future wife, Coni. After serving in the U.S. Army in the European theater in World War II, Duane graduated summa cum laude from Lafayette College and earned his LL.B. at Harvard Law School in 1948. Following law school, Mr. Beeson served as clerk for Judge William E. Orr at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and was an instructor at the University of San Francisco Law School. As a leading expert on labor law, he has also taught at Hastings College of the Law, George Washington Law School, the University of California Extension, and the University of San Francisco Labor Management School. In 1950, Mr. Beeson moved to Washington, DC, where he worked for 11 years as an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board, handling appellate and Supreme Court litigation. In 1961, the Beesons had the opportunity to return to their beloved California when Duane was hired by Joseph Grodin, the great labor lawyer and later California Supreme Court Justice, to represent teachers unions in the Bay area. Mr. Beeson became a partner in the firm, which was then known as Brundage Neyhart Grodin & Beeson and is now Beeson, Tayer & Bodine. In the 1970s and 80s, Joe Grodin and Duane Beeson led their firm into the areas of employment benefits covered by ERISA and related fields in which labor organizations are involved. More recently, the firm has become active in employment law of all kinds--including mediation and negotiation-facilitation services along with representation of individual employees in wage and hour, discrimination, harassment, and other types of cases--and has also developed a specialty in education law as an outgrowth of representing teacher unions. I have known and respected Duane Beeson for many years, since my husband Stewart went to work at Duane's firm as a young attorney. As Duane turns 90 and is honored with the Peggy Browning Fund Award, it is my pleasure to salute and celebrate his long and distinguished career representing the working people of California. He is truly one of a kind.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize the extraordinary service of Dr. Knox Mellon who is retiring from the California Missions Foundation after 8 years as its executive director. Though he will be missed, his contributions to the field of historic preservation will benefit generations to come. Dr. Mellon has had a long and distinguished career in the field of historic preservation. In 1977, he was appointed as California's first professional State Historic Preservation Officer by Governor Jerry Brown. He served in that position until 1983 and then branched out on his own, starting Knox Mellon and Associates, a consulting firm specializing in historic preservation, oral history, historic research, and strategic planning. Dr. Mellon's firm worked on a number of historic buildings in Southern California, including the Downtown Central Library in Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Hall, the Beverly Hills Hotel, and the L.A. Coliseum. During the same time, Dr. Mellon also found time in his busy schedule to serve as an Adjunct Professor of History at the University of California, Riverside, as well as the Director of the Mission Inn Foundation. In 2000, Dr. Mellon was appointed to a second term as California's State Historic Preservation Officer, this time by Governor Gray Davis. In 2004, he retired from State service and became the executive director of the nonprofit California Missions Foundation. Founded in 1998, the California Missions Foundation is the only organization dedicated solely to the long-term preservation and restoration of California's 21 missions. Early in Dr. Mellon's tenure as executive director, we worked together with Congressman Sam Farr and Senator Dianne Feinstein to pass the California Missions Preservation Act. At a 2005 event to celebrate this new law, Dr. Mellon eloquently discussed the historic value of California's missions, which are the most visited historic attractions in the State: The missions are California's Pyramids. They are a part of our past. They help symbolize the nation's western beginnings. Of all the institutions that define California's heritage, none has the historic significance and emotional impact of the chain of Spanish missions that stretch from San Diego to Sonoma. The missions are an important part of the state's cultural fabric and must be preserved as priceless historic monuments. During Dr. Mellon's tenure as executive director, the California Missions Foundation received a number of grants to preserve and restore California's missions, including four grants from the Department of Interior totaling $2.28 million. With those funds, the California Missions Foundation was able to repair some of the extensive earthquake damage at Mission San Miguel; complete a seismic retrofit at Mission San Luis Rey; and stabilize buildings and preserve artwork and artifacts at the Carmel and Santa Barbara missions. California's residents and visitors alike benefit from Dr. Mellon's hard work, expertise, and vision each time they visit one of California's beautiful and historic missions. I thank Dr. Mellon for his service to the State of California, and wish him and his wife Carlotta the very best as they embark on the next exciting phase of their lives.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I rise in memory of my dear friend Ruth Singer Meyers, who died in Los Angeles last month after a brief but valiant fight with cancer. Ruth was a philanthropist, a community leader, and a champion of Israel and a strong U.S.-Israel relationship. She was also a kind, warm, and caring human being who had countless good friends and deeply loved her husband, children, and grandchildren. Born Ruth Lazarus in Wilmington, DE, Ruth moved to California as a girl with her family. After graduating from Beverly Hills High School and UCLA, she married and had two sons, Rick and Anthony. When her boys grew up and went off to college, Ruth dedicated herself to charitable work, the Jewish community, and Israel. Ruth's energy, dedication, and fundraising abilities were legendary in charitable circles. She served on the Board of Governors of Cedars- Sinai Hospital, the Board of Directors of the Venice Family Clinic, the International Board of Governors of Tel Aviv University, and the National Board of the United Jewish Appeal. As missions chairman for the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, she led dozens of community trips to Israel. She also served as the Los Angeles chairman of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and became a national officer in the organization. On behalf of the people of California, who have benefited so much from Ruth's life and work, I send my deepest gratitude and condolences to her husband, Mickey Meyers, as well as her sons and grandchildren. I know they and many others will miss this wonderful woman, as will I.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I appreciate Senator Tester's leadership in putting together legislation, S. 3525, to address the priorities of sportsmen across the country. This bill has many important provisions that I support, including reauthorization of highly successful conservation programs in the Environment and Public Works Committee's jurisdiction, which I chair. These programs restore critical wetlands, support partnerships to conserve wildlife habitat, and promote outdoor recreation. While I appreciate Senator Tester's efforts to move this legislation forward, I remain deeply concerned about two provisions included in this package, which I will discuss today. S. 3525 broadens an exemption that prohibits the use of the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act to address public health and environmental threats from dangerous chemicals, including lead, in ammunition and fishing tackle. Some ammunition and fishing tackle contain lead that can be harmful to people who consume meat contaminated with lead shot. In 2008, Minnesota examined packages of venison and found that 22 percent contained lead fragments. North Dakota has also found lead fragments in venison being distributed for food. The latest science shows that there is no known safe level of lead in children's blood. Because lead can damage the nervous system, including the brain, children and pregnant women are especially at risk. Animals can also be poisoned or die after eating ammunition that is shot into lakes, rivers and upland areas, or when they consume the carcass of another animal that contains spent ammunition. In 2008, an expert at the U.S. Geological Survey stated: Science is replete with evidence that ingestion of spent ammunition and fishing tackle can kill birds. The magnitude of poisoning in some species such as waterfowl, eagles, California condors, swans and loons, is daunting. There are safe and effective alternatives, such as steel, to the use of lead in shot and fishing tackle. According to the State of Wisconsin: Steel shot actually arrives on target in a tighter pattern . . . (and) penetrates game better than lead . . . Extensive research, testing steel and other non-toxic shot, shows it to be both safe and effective. The Federal Government must be able to use all of the tools at its disposal to protect American families from consuming contaminated food. Therefore, we should not create unneeded exemptions that apply to lead and an unknown number of other contaminants. I also oppose the provision in S. 3525 that would allow sport-hunted polar bear trophies to be imported from Canada. This misguided provision could jeopardize recovery efforts for a species that is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, ESA, and protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, MMPA. Before polar bears received their protected status under the ESA and MMPA, there were extensive warnings for over a year that this protection was imminent. Nevertheless, a small group of trophy hunters ignored these warnings and went forward scheduling new hunts, and they are now seeking an exception to allow their polar bear trophies to be imported into the United States. The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that approximately 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears remain in the wild. Their survival is severely jeopardized by many factors, and we should not provide a loophole that encourages hunting of this vulnerable species. Maintaining full, consistent protections for polar bears is critical to the health of the Arctic ecosystem, the Native communities who legally harvest these bears for subsistence purposes, and for the public at large that is working to save this iconic animal. I believe this bill has many good provisions that will help preserve America's treasured natural resources, protect fish and wildlife, and provide recreational opportunities for our families. Unfortunately, the bill also includes two provisions that threaten public health and could set back wildlife conservation efforts. I filed amendments to S. 3525 that would address these concerns, but if the amendments are not adopted and the bill remains unchanged, I will oppose S. 3525 in its current form. Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 2012 World Series champion San Francisco Giants. This season the Giants earned their second World Series title in 3 years by sweeping the Detroit Tigers in 4 games. All season, the Giants truly exemplified what it means to be a team. Even though this season saw historic accomplishments from individuals, including Matt Cain's perfect game and Pablo Sandoval's three home runs in game one of the World Series, no one player carried the Giants. Contributions from all players on an outstanding roster of perennial all-stars, reliable veterans and promising young players led the Giants to win the National League Western Division. On their road to the World Series, the Giants showed true grit and determination. They won a record-tying six consecutive games when facing elimination, fighting their way to a historic championship. In the division series, the team made history by battling back from a two games to nothing deficit to beat the Cincinnati Reds--the first come- from-behind win of its kind in National League history. When the Giants made it to the National League Championship Series against the defending World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals, they once again found themselves on the brink of elimination. The team banded together and roared back, winning three hard-fought games in a row to capture their second National League pennant in 3 years. With a powerful combination of great pitching, excellent defense, and clutch hitting, this Giant team always found a way to win. All 25 players on the playoff roster should be congratulated for their contributions to this true team effort: Jeremy Affeldt, Joaquin Arias, Brandon Belt, Gregor Blanco, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, Santiago Casilla, Brandon Crawford, Aubrey Huff, George Kontos, Tim Lincecum, Javier Lopez, Jose Mijares, Guillermo Mota, Xavier Nady, Angel Pagan, Hunter Pence, Buster Posey, Sergio Romo, Hector Sanchez, Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro, Ryan Theriot, Ryan Vogelsong, and Barry Zito. In addition to the players, I also congratulate Chief Executive Officer Larry Baer, General Manager Brian Sabean, and Manager Bruce Bochy for the tremendous job they did in assembling and guiding this team to the 2012 World Series. As Giants fans in the Bay Area and around the world celebrate, I congratulate their team on a remarkable season, a seventh World Series title, and a place in the history books.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I was unable to attend the roll call votes that occurred at midnight, September 22. Had I been present, I would have voted against S. 3576, related to foreign aid and voted in favor of S.J. Res. 41, the Iran Resolution. I would have also voted to support passage of H.J. Res. 117, the Continuing Appropriations resolution and would have voted against the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S. 3525, the Sportsmen's Act.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Kenyon Marc Youngstrom, a dedicated husband, proud father, loving son, devoted friend, and respected law enforcement official. Officer Youngstrom lost his life serving the California Highway Patrol on September 5, 2012. He was 37 years old. Kenyon Youngstrom was born in Pasadena, CA and raised in Riverside. He served as a U.S. Army Reservist from 1994 to 2000, attaining the rank of Specialist. He graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy in February 2006 and served at both CHP Headquarters and CHP's Contra Costa Area Office. Officer Youngstrom served his community with a heroism that extended beyond his own life. As the Vallejo Times Herald wrote, Officer Youngstrom ``wanted his organs donated so that if something did ever happen to him in the line of duty, others might live even if he would not.'' Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, like all those who serve in law enforcement across California, put his life on the line to protect his community. He is survived by his loving wife Karen and four children: Alexander, Madison, Andrew, and Kennedy. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones, and my thoughts and prayers are with them. We are forever indebted to him for his courage, service, and sacrifice.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act. Congressman Mike Thompson recently introduced companion legislation to this bill in the House of Representatives, and I thank him for all of the work he has done on advancing this initiative. I would also like to thank Senator Dianne Feinstein for joining me as an original co-sponsor of this legislation. The California Coastal National Monument, created by President Clinton in 2000, stretches over 1,100 miles off California's coast and protects more than 20,000 small islands, rocks, exposed reefs, and islands between Mexico and Oregon. My bill would incorporate 1,225 acres of the Stornetta Public Lands and other public lands near the city of Point Arena in Mendocino County into the existing National Monument, creating the Monument's first onshore additions. By expanding the National Monument to include the ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands,'' my bill not only preserves the area for future generations, but also helps create a more cohesive bridge between the offshore resources and onshore public lands. Visitors will have contiguous public access to the current National Monument, the proposed expansion area, the adjacent Manchester Beach State Park, and the historic Point Arena Lighthouse. It is crucial that steps be taken to ensure the permanent preservation of this naturally diverse segment of the California Coast, which encompasses over two miles of coastline with natural bridges, tide pools, waterfalls, sinkholes and blowholes, and portions of the Garcia River and surrounding estuary. The area is not only recognized for its breathtaking coastal formations, but also for outstanding natural resources that include extensive wetlands, rumpled sand dunes, and rolling meadows. Adding these lands to the National Monument will provide additional resources for more effective management and conservation program opportunities. The ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands'' is also home to a diverse ecosystem. The Garcia River is crucial habitat for Coho and Chinook salmon habitat, as well as a prime birding location for multiple bird species including the Laysan Albatross, Peregrine Falcon, Great Blue Heron, and many others. These lands are also the targets of restoration efforts that would help protect local endangered wildlife such as the Point Arena Mountain Beaver, Behren's Silverspot Butterfly, and other species of concern, like the Black Oyster Catcher. In Mendocino County, tourism is responsible for supporting almost 5,000 jobs, with visitors bringing in $19 million annually in state and local taxes. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the beauty and natural wonders of California's northern coast, and local businesses and nearby towns will benefit from the increased profile of a National Monument designation. A National Monument designation will bring increased awareness to the recreational opportunities available in the area, including hiking, fishing, bird watching, nature photography and wildlife watching. This designation could also attract increased resources to support the needs of the area. It is no wonder that the ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands'' are often referred to as the most significant parts of the Mendocino coastline. These magnificent lands have tremendous natural and recreational value, and it is imperative for them to be included as part of the California Coastal National Monument. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this important legislation. The ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands'' deserves National Monument recognition, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this effort.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act. Congressman Mike Thompson recently introduced companion legislation to this bill in the House of Representatives, and I thank him for all of the work he has done on advancing this initiative. I would also like to thank Senator Dianne Feinstein for joining me as an original co-sponsor of this legislation. The California Coastal National Monument, created by President Clinton in 2000, stretches over 1,100 miles off California's coast and protects more than 20,000 small islands, rocks, exposed reefs, and islands between Mexico and Oregon. My bill would incorporate 1,225 acres of the Stornetta Public Lands and other public lands near the city of Point Arena in Mendocino County into the existing National Monument, creating the Monument's first onshore additions. By expanding the National Monument to include the ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands,'' my bill not only preserves the area for future generations, but also helps create a more cohesive bridge between the offshore resources and onshore public lands. Visitors will have contiguous public access to the current National Monument, the proposed expansion area, the adjacent Manchester Beach State Park, and the historic Point Arena Lighthouse. It is crucial that steps be taken to ensure the permanent preservation of this naturally diverse segment of the California Coast, which encompasses over two miles of coastline with natural bridges, tide pools, waterfalls, sinkholes and blowholes, and portions of the Garcia River and surrounding estuary. The area is not only recognized for its breathtaking coastal formations, but also for outstanding natural resources that include extensive wetlands, rumpled sand dunes, and rolling meadows. Adding these lands to the National Monument will provide additional resources for more effective management and conservation program opportunities. The ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands'' is also home to a diverse ecosystem. The Garcia River is crucial habitat for Coho and Chinook salmon habitat, as well as a prime birding location for multiple bird species including the Laysan Albatross, Peregrine Falcon, Great Blue Heron, and many others. These lands are also the targets of restoration efforts that would help protect local endangered wildlife such as the Point Arena Mountain Beaver, Behren's Silverspot Butterfly, and other species of concern, like the Black Oyster Catcher. In Mendocino County, tourism is responsible for supporting almost 5,000 jobs, with visitors bringing in $19 million annually in state and local taxes. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the beauty and natural wonders of California's northern coast, and local businesses and nearby towns will benefit from the increased profile of a National Monument designation. A National Monument designation will bring increased awareness to the recreational opportunities available in the area, including hiking, fishing, bird watching, nature photography and wildlife watching. This designation could also attract increased resources to support the needs of the area. It is no wonder that the ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands'' are often referred to as the most significant parts of the Mendocino coastline. These magnificent lands have tremendous natural and recreational value, and it is imperative for them to be included as part of the California Coastal National Monument. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this important legislation. The ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands'' deserves National Monument recognition, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this effort.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise today during Suicide Prevention Month to recognize the Army's Suicide Stand Down Day, which will take place later this month on September 27, 2012. The stand down is an opportunity for the Army to take a hard look at current efforts to address the issue of suicide among soldiers and focus on ways to improve these efforts. It will emphasize eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health injuries, which too often prevents our service men and women from getting the help they need. This could not come at a more critical time. The incidence of suicide among our troops has skyrocketed to alarming levels due, in part, to over 10 years of repeated and protracted deployments to combat zones around the world. In fact, the Army experienced a record-high 38 Active-Duty suicides in July and is on track to surpass last year's total. This is absolutely tragic and requires urgent and sustained action. The central theme of the stand down is ``Shoulder to Shoulder: We Stand up for Life.'' This is such a critical message--our servicemembers should never have to suffer alone. Our military men and women make tremendous sacrifices each and every day in service to our Nation, and we have a sacred obligation to take care of them in return. This means ensuring they feel comfortable seeking the care that they need without fear or repercussion or being stigmatized. This also means improving access to mental health care and providing support for our military families. While there is no single solution to preventing military suicide, efforts like the Army's Suicide Stand Down Day are important steps because they provide an opportunity to have a frank conversation across all levels of leadership about the profound stressors our troops are experiencing. I strongly encourage all branches of our military to continue to review and improve their suicide prevention programs because it is clear that more must be done and that it must be done now. Suicide reaches far beyond one individual--it devastates entire families and affects communities. Our military families are resilient and they display incredible courage in the face of so many unique challenges, but no one person or family can be strong all the time. That is why we must continue to do everything in our power to send the message to our servicemembers, veterans, and their families that it is OK to ask for help and that the care and support they need is waiting for them. I urge our citizens, our government, and our Nation to continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Armed Forces and recommit ourselves to stemming the tide of military suicide once and for all because we can all agree that one suicide is one too many.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am pleased to congratulate the 2012 Petaluma National Little League All-Star team for capturing third place at the 66th Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. The determination, sportsmanship and love of the game that these young athletes exhibited captured the imagination and support of people in Petaluma and throughout California. Since its establishment with three teams in 1939, Little League Baseball has grown to become the world's largest youth sports program, enabling millions of children from 80 countries in 6 continents to enjoy and compete in the American pastime. This year the Little League World Series featured eight regional representatives from the United States and eight international teams. The Petaluma National All-Star team qualified for the Little League World Series by winning the District 35 Tournament in Petaluma, the Section I Tournament in Fairfield, the NorCal Division II Tournament in Fremont and the Western Regional Tournament in San Bernardino. At the Little League World Series, the Petaluma All-Stars achieved several impressive and memorable feats. In the U.S. Championship game, the Petaluma All-Stars staged one of the biggest and most thrilling rallies in Little League World Series history when they plated 10 runs in the bottom of the sixth to force their game against the team from Goodlettsville, TN into extra innings. Although their valiant effort would ultimately fall short, the remarkable determination and competitiveness exhibited by these young athletes will forever be a part of the lore of the Little League World Series. The next day, the Petaluma team showed its resilience by defeating the team from Aguadulce, Panama to place third worldwide behind the eventual Little League World Series championship team from Tokyo, Japan and the U.S. Championship team from Goodlettsville, TN. I ask my colleagues to join me and the Petaluma community in recognizing all the members of the Petaluma National Little League All- Star team on this wonderful achievement: Kempton Brandis, Blake Buhrer, Logan Douglas, Quinton Gago, Daniel Marzo, Dylan Moore, James O'Hanlon, Austin Paretti, Porter Slate, Hance Smith, Bradley Smith, Cole Tomei, Andrew White and a team of dedicated coaches, parents and volunteers.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the 125th anniversary of National City, located in San Diego County, CA. National City was founded in 1868 and incorporated on September 17, 1887, making it the second oldest city in San Diego County. The land on which it stands had earlier been an Indian rancheria, home of Apusquele band of the Hamacha tribe. In 1769 it had become one of the ranches used by the Mission San Diego de Alcala, and the padres called it La Purisima Concepcion. In the late 19th century, National City pioneered the shipping and transportation systems for San Diego, constructing the area's first wharf and introducing the first transcontinental railroad terminus; the National City Depot, built in 1882, is the last one standing out of the original five transcontinental terminus railroad stations and is designated as a California historical landmark. Another local cultural treasure ``Brick Row,'' built in 1887 is the only Philadelphia-style row housing in the southwestern United States and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Today, National City's 3-mile-long port along San Diego Bay is part of Naval Base San Diego, the largest U.S. Navy base on the west coast. In addition to its leading role as a naval gateway, National City is considered a symbolic link between San Diego and Mexico. On September 22, residents of National City will gather for a citywide 125th anniversary picnic at Kimball Park. I congratulate the people of National City on this special occasion and salute their rich history and wonderful community spirit.

Mrs. BOXER

Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.