Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding. Today we are here again not to discuss any piece of legislation that will create jobs, but to eliminate a program that helps communities across the country--and I state, communities that are helped across the country. The Neighborhood Stabilizing Program allows local governments to purchase, rehab, and sell foreclosure properties. Without these programs, houses would stay empty--and I say, would stay empty--so we would have to look at our neighborhoods and other areas, causing the value of property to plummet. Local neighborhoods would be forced to use their own funds for maintenance measures and legal fees. Additionally, any empty properties also force communities to adjust and deal with the missing tax revenue--and I say, missing tax revenue--at a time that we need the additional revenue within our communities. A lot has been made by my colleagues on the other side about one particular group that receives NSP funds, Chicanos por la Causa. What if it was another name? It doesn't matter. But because it has the name of ``Chicanos,'' the stereotypes and the images are there. It is about programs that are doing good, not because of the name that is there. Chicanos por la Causa has unmatched records of providing affordable housing, stabilizing neighborhoods, and serving the needs of low-income communities. They offer a broad range of programs and services and serve over 1,000 clients each year, many of whom live below the Federal poverty, which in a family of four is only $22,000. In 2009, the Chicanos led the application for a group of 13 members of the National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders. Together, this group received over $130 million in NSP funds and put this money to use in projects like in California, where we have a high deficit, Arizona, and 16 other States. Instead of looking out for Wall Street, instead of looking out for Wall Street and protecting the banks that caused the crisis--and I say, that caused the crisis--NSP awards this funding to invest in Main Street. This award represents one of the largest single Federal investments ever made that target Latinos and low-income communities, the same communities that have seen a higher rate of foreclosure and unemployment than the national average. I would ask my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to go to the communities where Chicanos or Hispanics or Latinos and their parents spend their money. Instead of using this tunnel vision--I say, this tunnel vision--solely looking at the numbers, I would ask my friends to look at the actual work that is done in the communities and how those communities have improved and have gotten a lot better. It is time to stop letting partisan talking points set the agenda for our government. It is time that we start focusing on programs--I say, it is time that we start focusing on programs like NSP and the Chicanos por la Causa that help the Americans get back on their feet. I urge my colleagues to oppose this.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, we've just seen 12 straight months of private sector jobs growth and there is a 2-year low in the unemployment rate. Now is the time for us to give our economy another push forward with a smart budget that invests in critical needs and lowers the deficit with intelligent spending cuts. But instead, what are we giving the American people? More uncertainty with another short-term extension. This short-term continuing resolution must stop. The American people need jobs, not misguided plans that undermine the future of our Nation. Unfortunately, the Republican-passed budget would give pink slips to 7,000 American workers. And now, with a continued assault on mortgage relief programs, the Republicans are ready to start handing out foreclosure notices, too. Let's stop this madness. Let's work together on a budget plan that create jobs, reduces the deficit, and keeps our families in their homes.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lady Knights, the Rialto High School girls basketball team, and congratulate them for winning the CIF--Southern Section Division 2AA title game. The Lady Knights came back from behind in the final minutes of the championship game to beat Ventura Buena 55 to 53 at the buzzer, clinching the first section title in the school's history. After a season of hard work and determination, Rialto trailed by three points with just over two minutes to go in the game. Point guard, Summer Webb, tied the game with a three-pointer. Following the play, Janae Sharpe stole the ball, passing to Webb for an assist that pushed the Lady Knights two points ahead. Ventura Buena answered with two free throws, tying the championship game. Sharpe converted another steal to a lay-up but Buena Ventura tied the game again with nineteen seconds remaining. This game was the Lady Knights first section appearance in the history of the Rialto girls' basketball program and it came down to the last tenth of a second. With seventeen seconds remaining on the clock, Coach Michael Anderson designed a play to give Sharpe the final shot of the game. Hundreds of fans looked on from the stands of the Anaheim Convention Center. Sharpe received the inbounds pass. Crossing half court with composure, she let nine seconds tick off the game clock. Sharpe paused again at the three-point line, only three seconds remained. She drove into the lane, released a jumper, and scored the game-winning shot as the buzzer sounded. The blue-clad Rialto fans celebrated in an uproar as the players on the floor rushed into a dog-pile. The Lady Knights secured the championship in their first section final appearance. I would like to extend my heart-felt congratulations to Head Coach Michael Anderson and his coaching team, Bryant Young, Toneisha Knox, Erika Matkins and Juanita Perez. I would also like to acknowledge the families, fans, and teachers in the greater Rialto community for their support. Of course, I want to congratulate the girls on the Rialto High School basketball team: Janae Sharpe, Bianca Brown, Brittani Walker, Channe Armstrong, Summer Ramsey, Summer Webb, Cynthia Mora, Montoya Washington, Ma' Kaela Buhl, Danae ``Mary'' Williams, Jasmin Samano. I wish you all the best of luck in the Southern California Regional playoffs.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, as the recent job report shows, our economy is steadily improving with 12 straight months of private sector job growth. Now, I state, now is the time for us to build on this progress and work together in a bipartisan effort to create jobs, not reduce jobs. I state, not to reduce jobs. But, sadly, my Republican friends are letting the extremists dictate their agenda, protecting special interests at the expense of working families. The Republican budget would destroy 700,000 jobs and turn back the clock, I say, turn back the clock on our recent economic progress. This budget would do critical harm to American families. Mothers and children would be stripped of nutrition benefits from the WIC program. Thousands of youth would be kicked out of Head Start. And now the Republicans are ready to continue their assault on the middle class by terminating the mortgage relief program that keeps families in their homes. We should be helping families, not making them homeless. Let's work together to pass a budget that creates jobs and helps middle class Americans.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, creating jobs and strengthening the economy must be the number one priority in Congress. Unemployment across the Nation remains far too high. In my district, unemployment still remains near 14 percent. Yet instead of focusing on creating jobs, the Republican budget plan passed last month would cause 700,000 Americans to lose their jobs. They will struggle to put food on the table. This budget is an assault on middle- and low-income families. Thousands of teachers will be laid off, job training programs across the country will be eliminated, Pell Grants will be slashed for low- income college students, and investment in education will decrease. And now the Republicans are proposing yet another tax on middle class families to pay for the 1099 reporting fix. I urge my Republican friends to stand with the American middle class families and break free from the right-wing extremists. Let's work together on a real budget that creates jobs and responsibly lowers the deficit.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, Congress should be focusing on creating jobs, helping middle class families, and lowering the deficit with intelligent spending cuts--and I say with ``intelligent'' spending cuts. But instead, we're headed towards a devastating government shutdown. Policy experts from across the political spectrum all agree the Republican budget will result in more job losses, I state more job losses, and more suffering of our families. Senator McCain's chief economic adviser estimates that the Republican budget will lead to 700,000 jobs being lost. Even Wall Street firms like Goldman Sachs say the budget plan will cause our economy to shrink by 2 percent. In my district, teachers, police officers, firefighters who are set to lose their jobs deserve better. I say they deserve better. The time to play politics with our budget is over. I urge my Republican friends to break free from the extremists in their party. Let's work together. Let's work together on a real plan to create jobs and strengthen our economy.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, right now Congress' top priority should be creating jobs and lowering the deficit with intelligent spending cuts. The President's proposed budget is a good starting point, putting us on track to lower the deficit by $1.1 trillion over 10 years. But instead of focusing on a bipartisan approach, the Republican spending bill includes cuts that will destroy jobs--and I say destroy jobs--and kick hundreds of thousands of children to the curb; 55,000 fewer teachers in the classroom; 1,300 fewer police officers on our streets; 200,000 kids kicked out of Head Start--while many Republicans live in their Capitol offices. If the Republicans are serious about cutting the deficit, then why were they so happy to support the tax cuts for the wealthiest few Americans? Today's debate is about the haves and the have-nots. Unfortunately, the have-nots, once again, are getting the short end of the stick. Let us put aside this misguided bill and work together on a reasonable budget to put America's families first.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. President Obama understands that it's a very difficult time for the American people. Our economy is improving, but unemployment remains around 9 percent across the Nation and is close to 14 percent in California's Inland Empire. Right now we should be working on a plan that creates jobs and makes intelligent cuts to the budget. But instead, the Republicans have introduced a spending bill that will undermine the future of the American children. The Republican CR is another attempt to play politics with the well- being of every American. There will be 200,000 children kicked out of Head Start while Republicans still live in their offices. Over $700 million will be cut from WIC. Pell Grants will be reduced, making college unaffordable to tens of thousands, and thousands more teachers will be receiving pink slips. Scripture tells us, ``Love thy neighbor as thyself,'' but apparently, for Republicans, it's about ``me, myself, and Irene.''

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is time for Congress to roll up its sleeves and begin to work together. Democrats and Republicans must come together to create new jobs for the American people, strengthen our recovery, and reduce the debt. Yet instead of finding some common ground solution, Republicans have put forward an agenda that only serves to divide the American people. Yes, we must lower the deficit and national debt, but it is wrong to balance the budget on the backs of honorable Americans with dangerous cuts that may lead to double-digit unemployment. In my district in California in the Inland Empire, our unemployment rate is nearly 14 percent. My constituents can't afford to have Congress play politics with the budget and the national debt. They need jobs. They need to make sure that they are putting food on the table and paying their mortgage, not another government shutdown. I urge all of my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to focus on the big picture and get to work on creating jobs. Let's build our future.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues--Democrats and Republicans--to support small business and small business trucking. As we debate H. Res. 72, the most critical issue facing America is how to increase jobs so that families can rise up against economic hardships. Small businesses are essential to our nation's economy. They account for half of our gross domestic product, more than half our jobs, and three-fourths of new jobs created each year. We must support new and small businesses through open access to loans, credit and capital. We can reduce onerous paperwork, and give small companies the tools they need to take care of their employees and build their companies. By passing legislation focused on protecting the economic vitality of small businesses in the trucking industry and all other sectors, we will facilitate economic growth for all Americans.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, at tonight's State of the Union Address, it is vitally important that President Obama lays out an effective strategy for new job creation. The economy is improving, and with more than 1 million private sector jobs created in the last year, more people are going back to work; but far too many Americans still find themselves without jobs, especially in my district in the Inland Empire, where unemployment is 14 percent. At this time of enormous challenges, we must all recognize that the problems we face cannot be solved by a Democrat or a Republican solution alone. Only--and I state only--by working together and finding common ground will we overcome the obstacles in front of us. I stand ready to work with all of my colleagues, Republicans and the tea party included, to think outside the box and create a better future for our children and our country. As we prepare for the President's address tonight, I ask my friends on the other side of the aisle: Are you ready to work with us to move forward?

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Instead of focusing on creating new jobs and helping middle class families, our Republican friends want to turn back the clock. We all know this week's vote to repeal and replace the health reform is nothing but political fiction, with no intention of doing anything to improve health care. It's just a smoke screen. The reality is that a repeal of reform will be bad for our economy and worse for American families and businesses. In my district alone, repealing health care reform would discriminate against the 305,000 people who suffer from preexisting conditions--129 million nationwide. It would eliminate tax credits for 10,000 small businesses, kick 5,000 young adults off their parents' insurance plans--and 1.2 million nationwide--and it throws more than 5,000 seniors back into the doughnut hole of higher drug costs--2.7 million nationwide. Let's stand with American families and say ``yes'' to more jobs and ``no'' to all efforts to repeal health reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I oppose this repeal of the health bill that is good for my district. Madam Speaker, right now, Democrats and Republicans should be coming together to create new jobs, help struggling middle class families, and reduce the deficit. But instead of dealing with the problems of today, our Republican friends want to turn back the clock. Now is the time for job creation, not job elimination. We have heard some say that health reform will bankrupt our Nation. But we know that is not true. In fact the Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that health reform lowers the deficit by over $1 trillion. We have heard some say that the business community cannot afford health care reform. But we know that repealing reform actually increases taxes on America's small businesses, by eliminating health care tax credits. Repealing the health care reform law means: Discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions-- jeopardizing coverage for up to 305 thousand individuals in my District; Gender discrimination that allows insurance companies to charge women higher premiums than men for the same coverage; and Higher prescription drug costs for seniors on Medicare--including over 5 thousand seniors in my District who will be thrown back into the ``Donut Hole.'' Hospitals in my District are already busting at the seams. They can't afford the $146 million in uncompensated care costs that repeal would bring. I refuse to go back home and tell parents in my District that 56 thousand of their children will no longer be able to find insurance because of pre-existing health conditions. We must continue to move forward and focus on job creation. Now is not the time to return to the failed policies of the past. Let's stand with American families and say ``no'' to more insurance company control; ``no'' to increasing the deficit; and ``no'' to all efforts to repeal health reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. All throughout Congress, the Republicans consistently asked, ``Where are the jobs?'' They asked this last year. Yet in their first major action, the House Republicans are showing their true colors: playing politics at the expense of hardworking Americans. Under the Republican plan to repeal health reform, small businesses will not be able to receive $40 billion in tax credits that will allow them to cover employees; insurance premiums will continue to rise, forcing businesses to cut benefits and lay off employees; and they will add to the deficit, exploding it to $1 trillion over the next 20 years, creating more uncertainty in our economy. Instead of serving hardworking American families, Republicans would rather have American small businesses serve greedy health insurance companies. Republicans are proving yet again that they are indeed the party of ``no''--no relief, no health care, no jobs. I urge my colleagues to stand with American small businesses and workers and resist any attempt to repeal health reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I thank you for your service to our country, for your sacrifice and unyielding dedication. Because of your leadership, Democrats have much to be proud of during our work in the 110th and 111th Congress. As Speaker, you have made the United States a better country. Women have more rights in the workforce, children are safer, our military is stronger and our economy was saved from near complete collapse. Without you at the helm, healthcare for all would only be a dream. Because of your labor, it will be a reality. As the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, you have left an indelible mark on our history. Your positive, supportive and empowering leadership will forever remind us of what it is to be an American. Your strength of leadership will continue to serve the American people well as we protect the victories we have secured, and renew our efforts to move America forward. Speaker, I remember the day of your swearing-in. All the children surrounding you as you pounded the gavel leading us on a new direction. You have made them proud. You have made us all proud. Thank you, Speaker Pelosi. Thank you.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I was absent on Wednesday, December 22, 2010. I had legislative business in the district. Had I been present, I would have voted in support of the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 847--James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House for one minute. I rise in strong support of S. 3874, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. This bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to uniformly reduce the allowable lead content in solder, flux, pipe and fixtures. It is important to strengthen and clarify national standards for lead in drinking water. Our families and children should feel comfortable knowing that the water they drink is safe. In my district, California's 43rd, we are faced with many water issues and the most severe is perchlorate found in our ground water. Our drinking water was compromised. No one should have water compromised by perchlorate or lead. This bill is a positive step forward in eliminating the serious health threats and economic burdens caused by lead exposure. In California, we have a new lead free standard that requires manufacturers to phase out potential exposure from materials in drinking water plumbing by this year. With S. 3874, families in other states will have greater protection from lead exposure. I urge my colleagues to show their commitment to the safety of America's families and support S. 3874, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, please excuse me from session Tuesday, December 21, 2010. I have legislative business in the district. Had I been here, I would have voted in support of H. R. 5116--The America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, H. R. 2142--The GPRA (Government Performance and Results Act) Modernization Act of 2010 and H. R. 2751-- The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. In addition, I support funding our Federal Government by passage of a continuing resolution by year's end.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House for one minute. I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1377, a resolution honoring the accomplishments of Norman Yoshio Mineta. There are not too many public servants that are requested to serve as a cabinet member by a President of a different political party. Norman Yoshio Mineta's good nature, astute knowledge and seamless ability to be a first-rate mediator gave rise to his selection to serve our country regardless of the political party at the helm. He was the U.S. Secretary of Transportation for President George W. Bush and U.S. Secretary of Commerce for President Clinton. Despite being forced to leave his home and relocate to the Hear Mountain internment camp during World War II (a sad example of civil rights injustice), Secretary Mineta's love of country never faltered. He fought for our freedom in the U.S. Army, and later was elected mayor of San Jose, California. He continued his public service as U.S. Representative to the 15th district of California where he founded and chaired the bicameral and bipartisan Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). Secretary Mineta dedicated his life to our country and we are a better Nation because of his work and legacy. Secretary Mineta is the fitting recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in 2006, and the Grand Cordon, Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Government, which was the highest honor bestowed upon an individual of Japanese descent outside of Japan. Secretary Mineta, we thank you for your service to our Nation. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res 1377 in recognition of his lifetime of service to our Nation.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. This week our colleagues in the Senate have an opportunity to straighten our future economy and create equal opportunity for America's young people. By recognizing students who want to contribute through military service or higher education, the American DREAM Act has a positive impact on all of us; and if we remember the Ten Commandants, honor thy father and mother, many of these children came to the United States out of respect for their parents. They had no choice and they are here. They deserve an opportunity to have the same that other students have by attending our schools, going on to college, and then they also pray in a lot of our churches. They deserve the same opportunities that others have. We all know that the DREAM Act is one piece of a larger reform that is needed to fix our broken immigration system, but it is a critical first step. I urge the Senate to pass the DREAM Act as soon as possible so that the President can act quickly to sign the bill into law and give many of our students an opportunity to have the opportunity that many others have had in this country.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask Congress to pay tribute to an outstanding friend, mentor and community leader, Mr. Ray Abril, Jr. Ray passed away on December 14, 2010. Born in Colton, California on June 5, 1932, Ray was raised in South Colton where he dedicated his life to his community and to the improvement of education in the Colton Joint Unified School District. Ray graduated from Colton High School in 1950. A veteran of the Korean War, he courageously served four years in the Navy. Ray first became involved in education in the early 1970's, motivated to serve because of the poor state of many local schools at the time. In 1973 he won his first election to the Colton Joint Unified School Board. Ray often liked to joke that he had a PhD from USC, ``The University of South Colton.'' Throughout his 28 year career with the Colton School Board, Ray played an important part in improving schools. During his time as board member he worked to improve student performance, enhance school safety and increase the number of college-bound students. A strong advocate for education, Ray was instrumental in advising me on many legislative policy decisions over the years, including my PROUD Act. As a board member, Ray became affectionately known as ``The Godfather of the Colton Joint Unified School District.'' He held the office of Clerk for thirteen years and served as Board President for six years. Ray retired from the Colton Joint Unified Board of Education after 28 years of dedicated service. Because of Ray's lifelong commitment to education, the Colton Joint Unified School Board decided to recognize him by including his name in the campus of the new high school in Grand Terrace. When complete, the school will be known as the Grand Terrace High School at the Ray Abril, Jr. Educational Complex. An active member of the community, Ray was involved in a number of organizations including the San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force, the Knights of Columbus and the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Advisory Committee. Ray was also a co-founder of the Mexican-American Parent & Student Organization, a group that advocated educational improvements in Colton. His legacy of work on local issues such as the BNSF rail crossing and his founding of Colton First had a lasting impact on communities across the Inland Empire. After his many years of service, Ray was awarded the Assistance League of San Bernardino's ``Living Legend Award'' during its 50th anniversary celebration. Ray was a loving family man. He and his beloved wife Hortensia were married for 53 years before her unfortunate passing. Ray leaves behind his daughters Melinda Medina, Rebecca Gonzales, Nellie Carnero as well as his three sons, Nick, Michael and Dominic. He also leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. The thoughts and prayers of my wife, Barbara, Mayor pro tem Joe Baca, Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, Jennifer and I are with his family at this time. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a superb American citizen and dedicated community leader. He will be greatly missed and I extend my sincere condolences to his extended family upon the very sad loss of Mr. Ray Abril, Jr.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 3167, the Census Oversight Efficiency and Management Reform Act. The 2010 Census is complete and results will be made public soon. However, we must think ahead now for the 2020 Census. The bill's proposal to create a five-year term appointment for the Census Bureau Director is an important change that will allow the Census Bureau to avoid disruptions caused by changes in administrations, especially around the period of the decennial census. The accuracy of the Census is tied to advance planning and careful design, and must be ensured to the best extent possible. An accurate count means that proportionate amounts of federal dollars go back home to our Districts, to our schools, to our courthouses. We must remember that the Census count is not just a number; it affects the livelihood of all our communities. Gaps in management and leadership hurt all of us, not just those at the Census Bureau. This bill will provide greater stability for the leadership of the Census Bureau and its operations by enhancing the continuity of the Bureau's overall operations. In fact, seven former Census Directors, appointed by Presidents from both political parties, support this bill because they believe it would enhance the ability of the agency to focus on its mission to conduct the Census in a timely and accurate manner. I urge my colleagues to support S. 3167, because it takes positive steps toward providing greater stability for the decennial census and diminishing operational problems.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support for H.R. 5281, the American DREAM Act, a bipartisan bill. America is the land of opportunity, and these students want to abide by the law, and that's why this bill is before us. It is wrong to unfairly punish young people who come to America through no fault of their own, wanting an education, an opportunity like their fellow students. If we pass this bill, we have an opportunity to strengthen our Nation and respect our strong, proud immigration history, like Ronald Reagan and others who did this in the past. Equal opportunity is justice in opportunities. It's the same values that civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King and President Johnson fought for.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I join today with my colleague Jerry Lewis to pay tribute to an outstanding leader, family man and civil servant, former San Bernardino Mayor William Robert Holcomb. Mayor Holcomb passed away at the age of 88 on November 29, 2010. Bob Holcomb was born on March 1, 1922 in San Bernardino, California, and dedicated his life to his home town. He was a passionate advocate for the city, and is well remembered as the champion who preserved the local water supply. The Holcomb family has deep roots in San Bernardino County. William F. Holcomb, Bob's great-grandfather, was a pioneer who discovered gold in the 19th century and led a gold rush in the San Bernardino Mountains. His father, Grant Holcomb, served as the city mayor from 1925 thru 1927. Bob Holcomb graduated from San Bernardino High School, and later received a law degree from the Hastings College of Law at the University of California-Berkeley. He interrupted his studies during World War II to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps. As a co-pilot, he flew bombing missions from England to Germany. A practicing lawyer for 14 years, Bob began his political career by winning the fight to maintain San Bernardino's water independence. The giant Metropolitan Water District of Los Angeles made a concerted effort to take control of the extensive groundwater basin under San Bernardino. Holcomb led the campaign against the plan, and voters ultimately decided to retain the San Bernardino Municipal Water District, which protects the local water supply to this day. As a result of his leadership, Holcomb was appointed as a city water commissioner, and served in that role until his first election as Mayor in 1970. Considered one of the most dynamic mayor's in the city's history, Bob Holcomb is credited with luring both the Little League Western Headquarters and a California State University campus to San Bernardino. His administration saw the founding of the Norman Feldheym library and a new City Hall. He was instrumental in the creation of the regional transportation agency, Omnitrans. Over three decades, Bob continued the family tradition of public service with a career as Mayor from 1971 until 1985, and another term from 1989 through 1993. With 18 years, Bob is the city's longest- serving mayor. He was recognized for both his international interests and a passion for civil rights. He helped create a sister-city partnership with Tachikawa, Japan that has lasted for 51 years. And he was a strong supporter of desegregation of San Bernardino schools. He was also the first elected official in the area to support Tom Bradley, the first African American to run for California governor. As a family man, Bob shared 64 years with his wife and partner Penny. They had four children--Jay, who passed away in 1977, as well as daughter Terri Lee Holcomb-Halstead, and sons William Holcomb and Robert Holcomb. On a personal note, I always appreciated Bob's friendship and his support of local athletic teams. I remember one specific incident during his tenure as mayor, when our softball field was too wet to play on due to rain. Bob had seen how hard our team had worked to get where it was, and wanted to make sure that the game was played--so he brought in helicopters to dry the fields, and the game went off without a hitch. That story exemplifies the type of man that Bob was. Madam Speaker, Congressman Lewis and I ask our colleagues to join us in remembering a superb citizen and great community leader. My wife Barbara and I, and Jerry and his wife Arlene, will greatly miss the man who will always be known as Mayor Holcomb, and we extend our sincere condolences to Penny and his extended family.