Julia Brownley

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ventura County's 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, which commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States of America. Today, this event serves as an observance and celebration of African-American history and heritage. Additionally, Juneteenth serves as a reminder to us all of the importance of our country's multi- cultural diversity and the spirit of community we hold as a nation. On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger announced to all who were enslaved that they were free, thus marking the memorial of this occurrence as the Juneteenth celebration. The early Juneteenth festivities were held in the spirit of celebrating and honoring the newly freed citizens' ancestors. The bountiful feasts and lively celebrations fueled the overall cherishment of African-American heritage, with great emphasis put on the exploration and education of the African-American community. For over a century, Juneteenth is celebrated in all corners of the nation and has established a role of promoting reverence for African American history and achievement. Over the last several years, this vibrant event has extended beyond the African-American community and has seen an increase in focus on respect for all the cultures that make up our great nation. In Ventura County, this annual celebration brings together the tradition from the earliest days of Juneteenth and the rich diversity of our community throughout the region. The community-wide involvement in this historic event is a true testament to the multiculturalism of our county. Juneteenth not only highlights the culture of the African- American community, but it expresses the importance of recognizing the heritage of all the citizens that comprise Ventura County. Juneteenth embodies the spirit of community and offers the promise of a bright future by embracing the richness of the culture and heritage of a community as a whole, especially in communities like Ventura County where the festivities continue to grow and the overall goal of respect for diversity becomes instilled in all who take part in the excitement. It is with great enthusiasm that I join the Ventura County Chapter of the Black American Political Association of California in the historical celebration of their 24th Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Captain Dean A. Tufts, a qualified Seabee Combat Warfare Officer, a skilled Fleet Marine Force Officer, a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, and a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Hawaii. Born on December 25, 1967 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Captain Tufts earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the College of Naval Command and Staff from Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. In his extensive and distinguished career in the United States Navy, Captain Tufts has shown exceptional leadership and gallantry. Captain Tufts' tours in the Navy include Assistant Resident Officer in Charge of Construction in the Oakland Army Base in Oakland, California; Readiness and Military Training Officer in the THIRTY-FIRST Naval Construction Regiment in Port Hueneme, California; Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization Budget/Execution Program Director in the Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) in Washington DC; and Assistant Operations Officer in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) in Washington DC. Captain Tufts assumed. After assuming command of NMCB ONE, in Gulfport, Mississippi in July 2006, Captain Tufts deployed to both Japan and Iraq. Since then, Captain Tufts has assumed other leadership positions in various capacities; he has been assigned as Operations Officer for Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Far East and has also served as the Civil Engineer Corps' Head Detailer at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee. Since August 2012, Captain Tufts has served as Commander for Naval Construction Group ONE in Port Hueneme, CA. Captain Tufts' exemplary character and boundless service to our nation has earned him several decorations including the Bronze Star, six Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, two Navy Unit Commendation Ribbons, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and four Navy ``E'' Ribbons. These accomplishments are indicative of Captain Tufts' unwavering commitment and dedication to his work, nation and community. I appreciate Captain Tufts' dedication to our nation and his work during his time at Port Hueneme. It is with sincere appreciation that I would like to recognize Captain Dean A. Tufts, salute and thank him for his honorable and selfless service to our country. I wish him the absolute best as he transfers to Naval Facilities Engineering Command in the state of Hawaii, where I know he will continue his successful naval career.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege to welcome a very good friend, Rabbi Michael Lotker, to be the guest chaplain of the House of Representatives today. Rabbi Lotker is a teacher and a leader in Ventura County. He is the rabbi emeritus at Temple Ner Ami in Camarillo, California; the rabbi of Congregation Khilat HaAloneem in Ojai, California; and the community rabbi and teacher for the Jewish Federation of Ventura County. He is also a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Board of Rabbis of Southern California. In addition to his work as a rabbi, Rabbi Lotker is an author and a physicist, with a focus on researching alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal. Known for his quick-witted humor, Rabbi Lotker writes parody songs for each of the Jewish holidays throughout the year. For his spiritual leadership and thoughtful words, I would like to thank Rabbi Lotker for leading us in prayer today.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, thank you to the gentlewoman from Arizona. I rise to support the motion to instruct conferees. I grew up in a military home. I personally understand the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make in service to our Nation. My father was the proudest marine, my brother was a P-3 pilot for 20 years in the Navy, and my uncle served in both World War II and Vietnam. When I was elected to Congress, I asked to serve on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee to represent our future veterans at Naval Base Ventura County and throughout our country to represent our current veterans that live in Ventura County and throughout the country, and to represent our military families who also commit to serve our Nation. One of the greatest pleasures of working on the Veterans' Affairs Committee is addressing the issues at hand in a bipartisan way, and I want to thank Chairman Miller for his leadership and Ranking Member Michaud because this committee has remained in a bipartisan mode to address these issues. Every week, we discuss innovative ways to improve access to good-paying jobs, how to strengthen education opportunities for our veterans, to reduce wait times for critical and fundamental health care, and much, much more. I was deeply honored when my colleagues elected me to serve as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Health to ensure our veterans' health needs are properly addressed, including improving access to traditional and mental health care. As my colleagues know, there is a lot of improvement that needs to take place at the VA. We have a sacred responsibility to those who serve our country in uniform. Just as the military leaves no one behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they come home. The motion to instruct is the best path to completing a conference agreement to fix the long-term problems at the VA. Let's ensure we are serving our veterans as well as they have served us.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding, and I thank the chairman for introducing this bill. I chose to join the House Veterans' Affairs Committee even knowing the many challenges that have plagued the VA for decades because I want to do all I can to make sure our veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve for the sacrifices they have made for our great Nation. If the VA cannot see a veteran in a timely manner, then that veteran should be able to seek care outside of the VA. That is why I have cosponsored this bill and I intend to vote for it today. This bill will not fix everything, but it will absolutely help and it is an important step forward. However, for those of us who represent urban areas like southern California, we all know that 40 miles can take the better part of a day to traverse back and forth. That is why I believe that we must take into account not only the distance traveled, but also the amount of time that it takes for veterans to travel to the VA so that the intention of this bill reaches all of our veterans. As a consequence, I ask the chairman and the ranking member to work with me to improve this bill and include time traveled as a factor as the bill continues to move forward. I ask my colleagues to support this bill. I ask them to continue our work until we live up to the promise this country has made to our veterans and their families.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to the Greatest Generation of American heroes by honoring our courageous veterans of World War II, in particular, those who took part in the Normandy landing on June 6, 1944. On that historic day, 160,000 Allied troops landed on the 50-mile stretch of beaches along the Normandy coast, commencing the largest amphibious assault ever of continental Europe. Their mission was clear: to gain a foothold from which to fight Nazi Germany and defeat Adolf Hitler. With more than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft, the Allied forces succeeded, but 9,000 patriots were killed or wounded in battle. The bravery and heroism of those Americans and our Allies when they stormed the French coastline was most definitely the turning point of the war. And they could not have done it without the extraordinary work of the Seabees. During World War II, around 175,000 Seabees were staged directly through Port Hueneme and Ventura County. The Seabees, who were recruited for their civil construction skills, laid the groundwork for D-day. On that historic day, the Seabees were among the first to go ashore, as members of the naval combat demolition units. Working with the U.S. Army engineers, they destroyed the steel and concrete barriers that the Germans had built along the Normandy coast to forestall an amphibious landing. Coming under fire at dawn, whole teams of Seabees were wiped out by the Germans, but their fellow servicemen continued their life- threatening task of planting all of their explosive charges. Because of their heroic actions the charges went off as planned, blowing huge holes in the enemy's defense. But the Seabees' contributions to D-day didn't stop there. After the Allied fleet arrived on the coast of Normandy, Naval Construction Regiment 25--a team of around 10,000 Seabees--moved their pontoon causeways to create a beachhead from which the Allied infantry could land ashore. Then, after the unheralded yet no less heroic work of the Seabees was complete, our troops and tanks went ashore, took back Normandy, and drove the Germans inland. We remember and honor those heroes who gave their lives for us, and we thank the brave men and women who served our country, returned home, and helped the U.S. become the indispensable leader of liberty and freedom. Many of us have family members who fought in World War II, including my uncle Pete, who served in the Army. Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, just over 1 million of them are still alive, with around 93,000 in my home State of California. Seven decades later, we are rapidly losing this Greatest Generation, so it is of the utmost importance that we continue to show our gratitude and appreciation for their sacrifices by recording their oral histories, with Honor Flights, and by ensuring that they live their final years with dignity and respect--and we shall never forget. As a Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I am committed to ensuring that the 20 million veterans in the United States receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserve--for everyone who donned the uniform, from the World War II generation to the post-9/11 generation. I thank the World War II veterans in Ventura County and across the country for the sacrifices they and their families made to serve our great Nation, and for protecting our liberty and freedoms, our democracy at home, and our allies abroad. The example their generation has set for us of coming together as a Nation with a common purpose is one we continue to aspire to today and one my colleagues and I on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee emulate as we seek the best possible care for our veterans.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Madam Chair, I rise tonight to offer an amendment to H.R. 4660, which would increase funding for Veterans Treatment Courts. Our Nation's heroes are returning home from over a decade of war with the invisible wounds that come with multiple deployments and military service to our Nation. I am concerned that the effects of posttraumatic stress and TBI have led to a rise in substance abuse among our veterans, which in turn too often leads to criminal activity. This has led to an increase in veterans being incarcerated by our justice system without addressing the mental health counseling they need after their service to our country. My simple amendment would increase funds for Veterans Treatment Courts by $1 million. Treatment courts are designed to address fundamental problems with our troubled veterans who have succumbed to substance abuse and have gotten in trouble with the law. These courts are designed to provide mental health counseling that focuses on rehabilitation and sobriety, and works with veterans to address the reasons for their criminal behavior. Veterans Treatment Courts provide our veterans with long-term solutions versus short-term punishment. In January, I visited a Veterans Treatment Court in Ventura County. They are doing an amazing job with a team of professionals really truly saving one life at a time and providing a last chance for our veterans. Rather than arresting and jailing veterans for a few days or weeks, only to return them to the same type of life, the Ventura County collaborative court connects veterans to needed treatment and services, which may include mental health care, drug and alcohol treatment, vocational rehabilitation, or other life skills services and programs. The process begins with a guilty plea and in-court meeting involving the veteran, his or her attorney, and a VA representative. I was very impressed with the care that the court officers and volunteers extended to veterans who found themselves before the court. In Ventura County, Judge Toy White has been a real champion of the veterans court and has put together a very successful and effective program. However, the Ventura County court is just one example of many of a Veterans Treatment Court. I believe we need to increase Federal resources to these critical programs nationwide, which is what my amendment seeks to accomplish. It is our obligation to ensure our veterans receive the appropriate attention to their needs and that we do whatever we can to help them transition to an independent civilian life. I strongly urge my colleagues to support my amendment to rehabilitate veterans who have gotten in trouble with the law and help them secure a strong future. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Yeoman First Class Kenneth J. Hammond, an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS), and an exemplary community volunteer for Food Forward, an organization dedicated to promoting food justice and making change around hunger in our community. Born in Ukiah, California, YN1 Hammond graduated from Temecula Valley High School and joined the United States Navy on July 16, 1996. Over the years, YN1 Hammond has had a distinguished career in the Navy. YN1 Hammond is currently serving the sailors and officers of U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FIVE (NMCB 5) as the Administrative Department Leading Petty Officer. His work has earned him many accolades and awards that demonstrate his personal vigor and professional work ethic. In addition to his honorable service in the Navy, YN1 Hammond is equally as dedicated and selfless in his community. As a Pick Leader, Neighborhood Captain, and Board Advisor for Food Forward, YN1 Hammond has volunteered over 787 hours, has picked over 40,000 pounds of fruit, and has recruited over 160 volunteers to help at various events. These accomplishments are indicative of YN1 Hammond's unwavering commitment and dedication to both his community and to the ideologies of philanthropy. YN1 Hammond is dedicated to the mission of Food Forward and inspires others through his work. With great enthusiasm, YN1 Hammond encourages others to take part in the fight against hunger through his continuous and successful recruitment of new pick leaders. YN1 Hammond has impacted the lives of those in our community by spearheading the ``picking'' events with volunteer recruitment, fundraising and building awareness of the Food Forward mission. In 2013 alone, YN1 Hammond's positive attitude and determined spirit of volunteerism has helped the Ventura County branch of Food Forward harvest over 120,000 pounds or 480,000 servings of fresh fruit that would have otherwise gone to waste to help feed our hungry neighbors. It is with sincere appreciation that I would like to recognize YN1 Kenneth Hammond and commend him on his steadfast dedication to his country and, especially, to his community.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 17 World War II veterans and residents of Belmont Village Senior Living in Thousand Oaks, CA. For their service to our country, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the following individuals: Corporal Keith Balkwill, Corporal Leslie Bedding, Bill Bouch, Daphne Forst, Harold Hertzberg, Private Don Matson, Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Paul McAlister, Captain Frank McCarter, Lieutenant JG Grant Olweiler, Tech 5 Sergeant Willis Peterson, Senior Assistant Surgeon Dr. John Phelan, Robert Roth, Private 1st Class Cyril Shepro, Seaman 1st Class Bill Smith, Tech 4 Sergeant Dorothy Weems, Sergeant John Weems, Master Sargent Alex Weinper, Private First Class Robert ``Bob'' Yanchus. On May 21, 2014, the Belmont Village Gallery will open and showcase the captivating stories, memoirs, and pictures of these iconic heroes. The depth and richness of each veteran's story is indicative of the valor and sacrifice that has come to define this chapter in American history. These men and women are members of the Greatest Generation--a generation that overcame multiple challenges of adversity and embodied the definition of resilience. These brave men and women fought heroically, inspired our nation and put us on the path to victory. They remind us that no challenge is too great when we as a nation stand together as one. Today, as we face new and profound challenges, we must look to our past and be encouraged to carry on their legacy of keeping our country strong and free and prosperous. It is incumbent on this generation to remember the challenges of our history and reaffirm our commitment to our veterans for their bravery and sacrifice. Without their selfless service to our nation, America would not have the liberties so many of us enjoy and often take for granted. This is why our nation has an obligation to ensure that each veteran, who fought so bravely to defend our country and our freedoms, receives all of the services they need and deserve and have so honorably earned. It is with deep appreciation and admiration that I recognize each of these veterans for their patriotism and service to our country during World War II. As a nation, we will be forever grateful for their service.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 10th anniversary of the Rebozo Festival of Ventura County, an annual event which celebrates the cultural diversity of our region, promotes communal pride and encourages philanthropic and educational endeavors. The first Rebozo Festival took place in 2005 when Las Madrinas (the Godmothers), a small group of community volunteers, organized and established the event with the intent of raising funds for local organizations while celebrating the rich heritage of the Latino community by highlighting the colorful Mexican rebozo (shawl) as the symbol and theme of the event. Over the years, this event has attracted hundreds of local residents and out-of-state visitors who enjoy the liveliness of this cultural celebration, and above all help contribute to local commendable organizations. The Rebozo Festival's underlying purpose is a philanthropic one. For ten years now, the Rebozo Festival has been able to raise thousands of dollars each year for numerous worthy non-profit organizations focusing on the cultural, social and educational needs of the region. Past recipients of these funds include the Heart 2 Heart Program, United Farm Workers Freeze Relief Fund, the Oxnard College Women's Re-entry Program and Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE). This year's proceeds will benefit Future Leaders of America-- Ventura County, an organization that works with our public schools to promote youth empowerment and leadership. Through the selfless dedication and work of the event's organizers, the Rebozo Festival has been able to raise and contribute over $185,000 to the Ventura County community. For over a decade, the Rebozo Festival has promoted and celebrated the richness and diversity of the Mexican culture and heritage in Ventura County. It is with great enthusiasm that I offer Las Madrinas my sincere congratulations and I am pleased to join them in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Rebozo Festival.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Newbury Park cancer survivor and my constituent, Lynn Buchanan, who has been named a Breakaway from Cancer champion. As a Breakaway from Cancer champion, Ms. Buchanan will be honored as part of the ``Amgen Tour of California,'' the largest cycling race in the United States. Ms. Buchanan will lead the ``Breakaway Mile,'' a special walk to the Tour of California finish line in Thousand Oaks, honoring the millions of cancer survivors among us and in remembrance of the lives lost to this deadly disease. She will be joined by 150 members of the local Ventura County community. In addition to Ms. Buchanan, the Breakaway from Cancer initiative will also recognize cancer survivors in other host communities along the course, which runs from Sacramento along the California coastline to Thousand Oaks. At the conclusion of each of the six stages of the Amgen Tour, Breakaway from Cancer champions will also present the ``Most Courageous Rider'' jersey. A national partnership between biotech company Amgen and four nonprofits, the Breakaway from Cancer initiative works to increase awareness of the important resources available to people affected by cancer, from prevention to education and support to financial assistance and life after cancer. First diagnosed with breast cancer in 1988, Ms. Buchanan was diagnosed a second time in 2012. Drawing strength from her family, friends, and her local Cancer Support Community, Ms. Buchanan persevered. Now that her treatments are complete, she volunteers to help improve the lives of cancer patients and survivors in her own community. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Ms. Buchanan for her courage and leadership, and to commend the efforts of Amgen and its many community partners and volunteers for empowering cancer patients and celebrating cancer survivors.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the U.S. Coast Guard's 9th Annual Channel Islands Harbor Safe Boating Expo, which recognizes May 17 through 23, 2014 as National Safe Boating Week. The event also marks the start of the year-round effort to promote safe boating. With an average of 700 people dying each year in a boating-related accident, approximately 71% of these fatalities are caused by drowning. The vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error and/or poor judgment, not by faulty equipment or environmental factors. It is known that a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets. It is crucial that the public stay educated about boating safety and the ways in which they can protect themselves and others. At the Channel Island Harbor Safe Boating Expo, attendees will be able to watch offshore helicopter and fire rescue demonstrations, as well as flare inspection and disposal services, vessel safety exams and other hands-on exhibits. The event will also be attended by the American Red Cross, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Channel Islands Harbor Patrol, Oxnard Police/Fire Dive Team, the Channel Islands National Park, Ventura County Sheriff Rescue, Ventura County Fire Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Service, Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Ventura Sail and Power Squadron. These attendees represent the collaborative efforts and partnerships that we have in Ventura County. This important and engaging community event is hosted by the United States Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor, a multi-mission unit that conducts Search and Rescue, Homeland Security, Maritime Law Enforcement, Counter Drug & Alien Migrant Interdiction Operations, Marine Environmental Protection and Boating Safety from Point Dume, CA, to Point Conception, CA, and out 50 nautical miles. Their area of responsibility also includes the gorgeous Channel Islands in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The station is also homeport to the 87-foot Patrol boat USCGC Blacktip and ESD Detachment Oxnard. I want to congratulate the U.S. Coast Guard on their ongoing efforts to educate our community about recreational water safety and join them in supporting the campaign efforts of National Safe Boating Week.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Terry Gibson, a vibrant resident of Ventura County, who will celebrate her 80th birthday on May 27, 2014. Originally from the San Fernando Valley, Terry has always been an active member of her community. Her generosity and spirit of giving is resonated in her work, where her depth of sincerity and selflessness knows no limits. While living in Glendale, California, Terry served as President of Temple Sinai, President of the Sisterhood of Temple Sinai, Vice President for new members of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations Southwest Region and Executive Vice President of the Western States Federation of Sisterhoods. In each of these leadership roles, Terry's spirit of volunteerism and commitment to her community never wavered even while she was a full-time, single working mother. When Terry moved to Ventura County, her penchant for being an active and contributing community member continued. As a resident of Oxnard, she helped in the founding of the Ventura Chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC) and served as its first president for two years. Under her direct leadership, the Ventura County Chapter of the NWPC was able to increase women's participation in the political process. Today, with Terry's unwavering help, the organization continues to recruit, train and support diverse female candidates who will bring a woman's perspective to issues such as reproductive health, the environment and social, educational and economic justice. Her vision of gender parity in California politics is a mission we are all united on. With her extensive experience, Terry has served as the treasurer for the Ventura County Women's Forum Collaborative, where she is part of an organization that is dedicated to empowering Ventura County women in areas such as education, health, economic justice, power sharing, institutional mechanisms, and human rights. Her impacts in the Ventura County political sphere have been extensive and invaluable. In her personal life, Terry is even more remarkable. She is the mother of five children, grandmother to fourteen grandchildren and great grandmother to three great grandchildren. Indicative of her sharp character and dedication to her personal and professional priorities, Terry has never missed a birthday, graduation, or family celebration during her years of working and volunteering in her community. She truly is as dedicated to her family as she is to her community. I want to congratulate and thank Terry for all of her years of community service and it is with great enthusiasm that I offer Terry Gibson my sincere congratulations on the occasion of her 80th birthday! I wish her a very happy birthday and express my appreciation and admiration for all that she has accomplished.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to bring the House's attention to an important issue. The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, also known as VRAP, which has helped our veterans retrain to develop the skills they need for jobs of today, expired on March 31. I had planned to offer an amendment today to reauthorize the program and provide funding for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program. However, I understand the amendment would have been subject to a point of order. Nevertheless, this critical issue is deserving of the House's attention. As a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, I know well the struggles our unemployed veterans face on a daily basis to reenter the workforce. In my home district in Ventura County, where I am proud to represent Naval Base Ventura County, we have a large community of veterans who have sacrificed for our country and who deserve every effort we can to ensure they receive the training they need to find the jobs they deserve, especially after the recent recession. It is deeply disappointing that the 113th Congress has allowed this critical job training program to expire. VRAP helps veterans who are no longer eligible for the GI Bill to get the training they need at community colleges and technical schools in high-demand occupations. One such veteran who is being helped by VRAP is my constituent, Jonathan Pascua. Jonathan is a first-generation Filipino American from Oxnard who served in the United States Marine Corps from 1995 to 2013. As an Active Duty marine, he handled telecommunications on a vessel in theater during the Iraq war supporting his brothers and sisters who landed ashore. When Jonathan was preparing to retire from the Marine Corps, he learned about VRAP through their education benefits class and signed up for the program. He is currently a full-time student in Oxnard majoring in business management and is scheduled to graduate in 2015. As a result of VRAP's expiration, Jonathan may not be able to afford to continue. That would be devastating for Jonathan and a tragedy for our country. That is why I introduced H.R. 4149, the bipartisan Help Hire Our Heroes Act, which has gained support from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Association of the United States Navy. Despite the obvious need for reauthorization of this important program and this body's solemn obligation to serve our veterans as they have served our Nation, my bill has still not been brought forward for a vote. My amendment would have ensured that this critical program continue, and I am disappointed that I was unable to offer it here today. The Veterans Retraining Assistance Program has succeeded in helping many veterans retrain and find employment, and it should not have been allowed to lapse. Because our veterans, like Jonathan, were there for us, it is our duty to be there for them. Therefore, I urge the leadership of this Chamber to quickly bring forward legislation that will extend the VRAP program and help our unemployed veterans. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the severe impact of climate change across the United States. On Sunday, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a new report, laying out the ways that climate change has already impacted our economy. Climate change threatens our coastal communities through ocean acidification and sea level rise. It threatens our big cities by making extreme weather events, like Hurricane Sandy, more frequent and more intense. It threatens all of us who rely on rain to water our crops or on snow for our drinking water. California faces a future where less snow and earlier snowmelt will strain our already scarce water resources. 2014 is already one of the driest years in our State's history. Who knows what 2015 will bring? I call on all of my colleagues to come together in a meaningful and bipartisan way to tackle climate change.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Dr. Kant Tucker and Dr. Irma Harriman on the special occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary. Dr. Tucker, who was born in Mumbai, moved to the United States in 1975 with just eight dollars in his pocket, a plane ticket that was purchased by his siblings and a bag of clothes. Unaware of the trials and tribulations that lay ahead, Dr. Tucker was determined to make a living and stay true to his humble beginnings. During his first months in the United States, Dr. Tucker struggled to earn a living. He was hired as a dishwasher at a fast food chain for only a short time before he was let go. The owners believed that he was a short term employee because he was a medical school graduate. He continued his search for a career as a doctor, hoping that he would find a hospital that would accept him as an intern. On one occasion, Dr. Tucker was on his way to St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx to interview for an internship when he was mugged at gunpoint causing him to miss his appointment. Although discouraged and disappointed, Dr. Tucker went back to the hospital for a second interview, where he was later offered an internship. From there, Dr. Tucker went on to complete a residency in Jersey City and then to research positions at hospitals in New York and California. During the course of Dr. Tucker's career, he was also able to find love. In the early 1980s, Dr. Tucker was an assistant professor of nephrology at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he met Irma Harriman. Seven years after Irma Harriman became his partner in his Simi Valley practice, they married. In Dr. Tucker, Dr. Harriman saw the same determination and idealism that she saw in herself and related to the same barriers that she, too, had faced. The pair symbolized hard work and determination. Despite the adversity that both Dr. Tucker and Dr. Harriman faced, they remained persistent in their pursuit of success, always remaining true to their upbringing. Today, Dr. Tucker and Dr. Harriman operate nine dialysis centers throughout Southern California. Currently living across the Santa Susana Pass, Dr. Tucker and Dr. Harriman never forget the experiences, people, and opportunities that shaped their lives. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Tucker and Dr. Harriman for their generosity and commitment to our community and wish them all the best upon the celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary. I applaud the love and support they have both provided each other over the years, and I know that there are many more memories to be made.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, this Women's History Month, we learned that women continue to struggle with long-term unemployment. In fact, long-term unemployment among women increased from 34.8 percent in January to 37.7 percent in February. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, women are the sole or primary breadwinner in 4 in every 10 American households with children. When women who have jobs only receive 77 cents to every dollar a man makes, when 70 percent of Americans in poverty are women and children, in a country where women, out of the gate, start out behind, refusing to extend long-term unemployment compensation to those who have looked for a job but cannot find one is particularly hurtful. For all these reasons, we must renew emergency unemployment compensation--because when women succeed, then Ventura County succeeds; and when Ventura County succeeds, America succeeds.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I am opposed.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, this is the final amendment to H.R. 3826, which will not kill the bill or send it back to committee. If adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage, as amended. My amendment is a simple, straightforward improvement that I believe both sides of the aisle can agree is absolutely necessary, and would be overwhelmingly supported by the American people. If my amendment passes, it will ensure that the American people and American businesses throughout our country will be protected from avoidable energy price increases. Specifically, my amendment ensures that nothing in this act would limit the ability of regulators to issue rules that save consumers money on their electricity bills, including rules that allow for or encourage energy efficiency, demand response, and other approaches to lower the cost of electricity for consumers. Making our homes and businesses more energy-efficient will save Americans trillions of dollars and, simultaneously, fight climate change by reducing our country's carbon footprint. Energy efficiency standards have already saved Americans $40 billion, and we are on track to save $1.7 trillion in energy costs by 2035. Proven Federal programs, like Energy Star, boost energy efficiency and have conserved energy by helping consumers and businesses find energy- efficient appliances and products. In fact, commercial buildings which used Energy Star technology show an average of 7 percent energy savings. Progress in energy efficiency is a win/win that is good for our pocketbooks and good for our environment. We can do more. If just 1 in 10 households used current technology to upgrade their home heating systems, we could keep 17 billion pounds of pollution out of our air. A vote for my amendment is a vote to ensure that we keep every tool available to conserve energy and help consumers avoid needless energy costs. Mr. Speaker, price increases in the energy sector are a very real and very serious problem. It hurts working families struggling to make ends meet. It hurts homeowners who struggle every month to pay their mortgage and utility bills, including many of my hardworking families in Ventura County. It hurts small and large businesses, driving up the price of doing business and impacting their ability to invest in new equipment and hire new workers. It hurts our military and impacts military readiness, including Naval Base Ventura County, costing more to keep the lights on and operate critical facilities at Point Mugu and Port Hueneme. It hurts our seniors who live on fixed incomes and cannot afford an increase in their utility bills. It hurts the specialty crop growers in Ventura County, our lemon, strawberry, avocado, and lettuce growers, as well as our cut flower producers, whose bottom line is so closely tied to the price of energy. It also hurts our overall national economy and threatens to slow job creation and the recovery of our very fragile economy. This is why it is so important that we allow regulators, like the EPA, to move forward with rules that can save consumers money on their electricity bills, encourage energy efficiency, and lower the cost of electricity for all of our consumers. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit to ensure a better and cleaner America for our children, our grandchildren, and many, many more generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Donald C. Robinett, or ``Robby'' as he is endearingly referred to by his colleagues, on the occasion of his 97th birthday. It is with great enthusiasm that I join his family and friends in celebrating this milestone and the life of Mr. Robinett, a World War II veteran and among the last of the Pearl Harbor veterans living in Ventura County. Born in Oxnard, California and now a resident of Oak View, California, Mr. Robinett served in the United States Navy from 1935 to 1945 and served on the USS Tracy for over five decades. On that fateful day of December 7, 1941, Mr. Robinett was below deck when the first bombs hit. His experiences and flashbacks of the events that unfolded that tragic morning aboard the USS Tracy remain intact. For over 72 years, the vivid memories of the attack on Pearl Harbor still remain with Mr. Robinett. His courage, bravery, and service during one of our Nation's most historic moments, are an example of the characteristics that define the people that have come to be known as the Greatest Generation. Honorably discharged on September 1, 1945, Mr. Robinett's career includes 10 years in the Navy and even without a day of leave, he was able to marry Eunice Hegna in Las Vegas in 1945. Donald and Eunice had 8 children. I want to sincerely thank Mr. Robinett for his service and recognize his unwavering commitment, not only to our country, but to the freedoms and liberties that we hold so dear today. As a country and as people united, we will be forever grateful. It is my honor to offer my sincere congratulations to Mr. Robinett on this special occasion. I wish him a very happy birthday and many more years of continued health and happiness.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize the City of Thousand Oaks, California, who will be welcoming its sister city, Shibei District of Qingdao of the People's Republic of China, for their first visit to the Conejo Valley on February 27, 2014. Formally approved on July 9, 2013, the Thousand Oaks City Council unanimously accepted the concept of Thousand Oaks, California and Shibei District, Qingdao as sister cities. The relationship between the two cities has a mission to create an environment for promoting and developing effective and mutually beneficial cooperation between the citizens of both municipalities. It is a harmonious relationship in which both parties conduct reciprocal cultural, educational, business, professional and technical exchanges. The friendly cooperation between both cities is based on the principles of mutual respect of the partners and the sovereignty of each state. With a large Asian-American population presence in the Conejo Valley, community leaders, in collaboration with the Center for Asian Performing Arts, conceptualized the idea of a sister city relationship with China to promote Asian culture and support the cultural exchange between East and West. There are many shared interests and commonalities among the two cities which makes it an ideal partnership. While Thousand Oaks was named among the top ten safest large cities in the United States, Shibei District, Qingdao was named among the top ten livable cities with the most beautiful bay in China. Additionally, both cities have developed in the areas of technology. Among the delegation members that will visit the Conejo Valley are the mayor of the Shibei District, the directors of the Bureau of Tourism and of the Bureau of Economic Development, and the deputy chief of staff for the Department of Commerce. On this momentous occasion, the mayors of both cities will sign documents declaring their formal relationship. I want to congratulate Thousand Oaks and Shibei District on this momentous occasion and look forward to the future accomplishments and successes that this relationship will foster.