Julia Brownley

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, my heart goes out to the victims of the tragedy in Orlando. This act of terror and hate has reverberated across our Nation with a goal to divide us and instill fear against those who simply wish to express themselves and live their lives freely. We cannot let fear lead us to single out an entire community or take our focus away from fighting terrorism. We cannot allow politics to distract us from coming together and passing commonsense gun reform. We must stand up against hate in all of its forms and the weapons that allow our enemies to too easily violently express it. That is something we all stand for. We must act. The victims and their families of Orlando deserve no less.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer a very brief amendment to the bill. I offer this amendment on behalf of myself and my good friend from California (Mrs. Napolitano). Many of my colleagues, especially those who are members of the Congressional Ports Caucus, have worked very hard in recent years to ensure that the Army Corps of Engineers has the funding necessary for operations and maintenance of our waterways. We achieved a great victory in WRRDA 2014, which set annual targets for the harbor maintenance trust fund usage. It is vitally important that we not only hit the WRRDA targets, but that we also ensure that the Army Corps and the White House Office of Management and Budget allocate harbor maintenance trust fund resources properly, according to the authorizing statute. The Brownley-Napolitano amendment simply directs that none of the funds in the bill can be spent contrary to existing law. Our amendment is supported by the American Association of Port Authorities. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment to ensure that the Army Corps and the OMB follow the direction provided by Congress in the 2014 law which passed the House in a vote of 412-4. Mr. Chairman, again, it is critically important for Congress to ensure that the administration follows the law. This amendment is intended to ensure that the Corps and the administration and the OMB implement the law as directed by Congress. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer a very straightforward amendment to H.R. 4641. The amendment would include the Office of Women's Health in the interagency task force created under the bill. As we all know, the underlying bill includes a list of Federal agency representatives to be included in the interagency task force, which will review, modify, and update best practices for pain management and prescribing pain medication. However, the bill does not currently include the Office of Women's Health. The Office of Women's Health, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, was established in 1991 to improve the health of women by advancing and coordinating a comprehensive women's health agenda to address healthcare prevention and service delivery. The Office of Women's Health works with numerous government agencies, nonprofit organizations, consumer groups, and associations of healthcare professionals to coordinate and advance policies and programs that best meet the unique healthcare needs of women. As a national leader in the health of women and girls, the Office of Women's Health has critical specialized expertise that will help the interagency pain management task force address the unique pain management needs of women who may be pregnant or who may be nursing. This expertise is desperately needed because opioid abuse among women has increased substantially in recent years. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of women who fall victim to an opioid-related fatality increased an alarming 400 percent from 1999 to 2010, totalling 48,000 women who have died during that span of time. During this decade, opioid abuse among women increased more than abuse of any other drug, including cocaine and heroin. Shockingly, the CDC reports that in 2010, 18 women per day died of a prescription painkiller overdose, accounting for nearly 7,000 women in total. It is critically important that we include experts on women's health in the opioid task force. Women who are pregnant or who may be nursing have specialized healthcare needs, and the Office of Women's Health is uniquely qualified to ensure that the interagency task force takes the needs of women and girls into account as it examines best practices for pain management in prescribing pain medication. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey and the gentlewoman from Indiana. I think we all realize the importance of ensuring that this interagency task force is effective and works, and I think the eyes on specific healthcare needs of women and girls is most important. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Oxnard College Men's Soccer Team for winning the 2015 California Community College Athletic Association State Soccer Championship. I commend the entire Oxnard College community on this monumental achievement and victory. It is important to recognize that the journey for the Oxnard College Men's Soccer Team began far before they stepped on the field to practice. For the majority of these young men, their soccer careers began as young children playing in youth sports for fun. It was only a mere dream that one day these men would grow up to play for their college team and win the state title. Under the outstanding leadership of Coach Ross Greaney, a former Oxnard College player himself, the team was led to victory through hard work and dedication throughout the season. Beginning with their initial home game, the Oxnard Condors worked diligently throughout their season up until the championship game on December 6, 2015. The Condors ended their season with 19 wins, 4 losses, and 3 ties. Facing Evergreen Valley College at De Anza College in Cupertino, California for the State Championship may have felt like a dream at one point, but their successful season had prepared the Condors well for this challenge. From over 300 miles away, the Oxnard College community cheered and vigilantly watched as Cristian Guzman scored the winning goal for the Condors in overtime with the final score of 2-1. Through their perseverance and teamwork, the Condors returned home as state champions. Through their sportsmanship and commitment, the Oxnard Condors brought home Oxnard College's first state title in almost forty years. With a leadership team of Head Coach Ross Greaney, Assistant Coach Bryan Hill, Team Manager Marc Pinlac, and Student Manager Oscar Martinez, the Condors had a strong support system to become champions. I would like to recognize the 19 players who deserve recognition for their victory including Eduardo Garcia, Saul Higuera, Daniel Aguilar, Mario Sermeno, Ricky Arroyo, Jorge Jimenez, Edwin Elizarraraz, Gustavo Navarro, Fernando Hernandez Puga, Christian Guzman, Jerry Orozco, Raul Gonzalez, Luis Cabrera, Andres Herrera, Damian Lopez, Matias Lopez, Keifer Cooksey, Joseph Hernandez, and Sergio Equivel. I am confident this hallmark achievement is only the beginning of many more to come for this team. For these reasons, I am pleased to express my sincere congratulations to the Oxnard College Men's Soccer Team for this great victory.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate Oxnard College on its 40th anniversary as a principal, two-year institution of higher learning in Ventura County. Since 1975, Oxnard College has built a vibrant and diverse scholastic community, has enhanced the local and global consciousness of its students, and has fashioned itself into a remarkable academic asset for the Central Coast region. Ever since its inaugural year, when it enrolled over 4,400 students, Oxnard College has been a significant driver of education and opportunity for Ventura County's residents. During its early years, Oxnard College classes operated out of borrowed facilities in churches, schools, military bases, and firehouses. Today and within a span of only four decades, Oxnard College has come a long way from its humble beginnings, and boasts of state-of-the-art classrooms, educational facilities, a physical education center, a performing arts center, and a library, with major new construction and renovations always on the horizon. Oxnard College strives to provide open-access to educational opportunities so that every individual--regardless of age, sex, race, disability, or ethnic socio-economic status, cultural or educational background--can fulfill his or her potential. Oxnard College is a shining beacon to the community giving hope to all of Ventura County residents who seek economic opportunity and social mobility through their academic pursuits. Pursuant to its educational philosophy, Oxnard College provides educational programs that develop individual abilities, strengthen human relationships, and enrich community life. To that end, Oxnard College offers 18 certificate programs, 17 Associate degrees for transfer, and 37 Associate degrees with classes in over 60 disciplines. Every year, Oxnard College prepares hundreds of students for further undergraduate studies, such as in the esteemed University of California and California State University systems. On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, it is my sincere pleasure to honor Oxnard College and the entire Condor community for its contributions to academic excellence and success.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the City of San Buenaventura as it celebrates 150 years of incorporation. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Los Padres National Forest, the City of San Buenaventura is known for its breathtaking ocean views and expansive rolling hills and truly lives up to its namesake as the ``City of Good Fortune.'' The City of San Buenaventura has a long history and archaeological discoveries in the area suggest that humans have populated the region for at least 10,000-12,000 years. Founded in 1782, the San Buenaventura Mission served as the heart of this small coastal community and the city was incorporated on April 2, 1866. From the beginning, Ventura has been a place of commerce, starting with the indigenous Chumash, who were fine artisans and adept travelers by canoes, naming it Shisholop or ``port on the coast'' for their lucrative trade activities. While living in Shisholop Village, which is now downtown Ventura, the local indigenous Chumash people thrived through their trade of shell bead money and chert. In 1873, the community's visionary leaders boldly stepped up to establish Ventura County, carved from Santa Barbara, with the City of San Buenaventura as the county helm. As development boomed in the 1900s, the region flourished with agricultural operations and oil production. According to local lore, the city's name was abbreviated to Ventura to accommodate the dimensions of a sign at the local railroad station. Today, Ventura has continued its steady growth and boasts over 100,000 residents. Throughout history, Ventura has remained an ideal locale for residents, businesses, and visitors as a quintessential California coastal community often cited as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. With the historic Two Trees overlooking the city, Ventura has miles of pristine beaches, making it one of the most renowned destinations for surfing. Ventura is home to the iconic Ventura Pier and the Ventura Harbor, a commercial harbor gateway to the Channel Islands National Park. With a thriving downtown cultural district, many musicians come through to play at the Majestic Ventura Theater and festivals regularly occur at Plaza Park. Ventura is also known as the host of the annual Ventura County Fair, ``a county fair with ocean air.'' As we commemorate the city's 150th anniversary, I would like to commend the City of San Buenaventura and its residents, past and present, on their success of reaching this milestone. I offer my sincerest congratulations during this sesquicentennial celebration and look forward to many more years of growth and prosperity.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Dr. Richard R. Rush, a remarkable visionary and extraordinary leader in our community. Dr. Rush has served as the inaugural President of California State University Channel Islands for the past 15 years, and has dedicated himself to higher education as both an educator and administrator for over 40 years. As the founding President of California State University Channel Islands, Dr. Rush played a vital role in the growth and development of Ventura County's first four-year public university. Since his first day as President, Dr. Rush has sought to ensure that the students of California State University Channel Islands receive a world-class college education. Dr. Rush developed programs that have positively shaped the identity and commitment of the university to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Thanks to his outreach to underserved students in the community, California State University Channel Islands earned the federal designation of a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Furthermore, a cornerstone of Dr. Rush's time at California State University Channel Islands has been building meaningful and significant partnerships throughout the community. From forging relationships with Cottage Hospital, which led to the expansion of the nursing program, to developing a cooperative agreement with the Channel Islands National Park, which began the establishment of the Santa Rosa Island Research Station, Dr. Rush has been a strong leader in creating local working partnerships that will continue on as his legacy. Acting as a collaborative relationship builder, he sought partnerships with businesses in the community to ensure a strong curriculum and create greater learning opportunities for students. Dr. Rush exemplifies true visionary leadership and is a treasure to our community. Throughout his lifetime dedication to higher education, Dr. Rush has been recognized with accolades regionally and nationally, including the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators' President's Award, the California State Student Association's President of the Year Award, and the Distinguished Community Leader Award from the Ventura County Leadership Academy. I graciously applaud Dr. Rush for his dedication to California State University Channel Islands, and to Ventura County as a whole. It has been my great honor to work with Dr. Rush throughout the years. The legacy Dr. Rush has built extends past the university and well into the roots of our community. I thank him for being instrumental in creating an institution of higher education in Ventura County that will educate generations to come.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, in conjunction with Brain Injury Awareness Month, I rise to recognize the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County, an organization wholeheartedly dedicated to raising awareness, providing support and resources to survivors and caregivers impacted by brain injury. Beginning as a grassroots organization in 1995, the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County has grown into an outstanding network that supports an estimated 16,000 people living with traumatic brain injury in Ventura County, as well as thousands of stroke survivors with acquired brain injuries. Through far-reaching and impactful community outreach efforts, the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County provides education and awareness about the organization's programs, services and brain injury prevention information. In 2015 alone, the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County assisted more than 800 survivors and caregivers to re-establish life after brain injury and develop strategies to build social skills, as well as provide support to families and caregivers. Today, the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County is collaborating with community healthcare partners, including the Ventura County Medical Center's Trauma Department, to launch the ``Care Transitions Demonstration Project.'' This initiative will allow the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County to support severe brain injury survivors from the point of trauma through post hospital discharge. The Brain Injury Center of Ventura County also works diligently to provide information to patients with mild to moderate brain injuries and concussions in emergency rooms. Moreover, the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County has helped caregivers develop strategies to meet their personal goals and deal with the challenges in the caregiver-survivor relationship. Some of the organization's services and programs include support groups, courses in social skills and vocational skills, internships, and referral assistance for medical specialists, neuro assessments, counseling, rehabilitation, housing, transportation, employment, financial planning, education and so much more. For the organization's extensive history and work to improve the quality of life for all individuals impacted by brain injury and their significant efforts and contributions to provide support, resources and awareness for brain injury survivors and caregivers throughout the region, I am honored to recognize the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, first I would like to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member Brown for their help in moving the Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act forward. I would also like to recognize my colleague from Arizona whose bill honoring the memory of her constituent, Army veteran Sergeant Daniel Somers, has been included. Mr. Speaker, as you know, the women veteran population is more than 2 million and growing quickly. But our understanding of the experience of women in the military and women veterans is not keeping pace with this rapidly changing demographic. We agree that one of the most pressing and immediate issues we must address, as Members of Congress, is the tragic epidemic of suicide among all of our veterans. Last year Congress passed the Clay Hunt SAV Act, which required the VA to conduct annual evaluations of its suicide prevention and mental health programs. I am confident that the Clay Hunt bill will save lives. But recently researchers analyzed data from 23 States and the Suicide Repository on more than 170,000 suicides over a 10-year period. These researchers found data suggesting that female veteran suicide follows very different patterns than male veteran suicide. The statistics are extremely startling. Suicide among women veterans increased by an astounding 40 percent from 2000 to 2010. The suicide rate among veteran women is nearly six times higher than among nonveteran women. For women ages 18 to 29, the risk of suicide is even higher, at nearly 12 times the rate of nonveteran women. We don't know whether the reasons are related to the high rate of military sexual assault, gender-specific experiences on the battlefield, or factors that distinguish differing personal backgrounds, which is exactly the point. Without looking more closely at the root causes, we cannot hope to find better solutions. Last year the Los Angeles Times wrote about this issue describing the heartbreaking case of Army medic Sara Leatherman. Even before her deployment, Sara had experienced depression and attempted suicide. She was discharged early from her deployment because of a back injury sustained in Iraq. Suffering from post-traumatic stress and experiencing physical pain from her injury, Sara was not able to live by herself and moved in with her grandmother. Sara was trying to get her life back on track and was attending community college. Although Sara was receiving VA treatment for PTSD, at the very young age of 24, she tragically took her life. Her family has been utterly destroyed by their loss. While so very distressing, the VA was unable to help Sara. So we must honor Sara's memory and the memory of other women veterans whom we so tragically lost to suicide by doing our very best to better understand the underlying and unique causes that lead women veterans to take their lives over wanting to live their lives. I introduced the Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act to do just that by building upon and improving the Clay Hunt SAV Act. My bill will help identify the different mental health and suicide prevention programs that are most effective for either male or female veterans. My bill will also require the VA to report to Congress annually on the results of this analysis. Finally, my bill will require that VA's evaluation of its suicide prevention programs include specific performance metrics for women veterans. The Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act passed the House Veterans' Affairs Committee proudly with bipartisan support. It is also supported by the Service Women's Action Network, The American Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. Mr. Speaker, this bill will give us more tools in the toolbox to help save the lives of men and women who have bravely served our country with great honor and distinction. One human life unnecessarily lost is one life too many. I thank my colleagues on the committee for making the Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act a priority. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this important legislation. The American Legion, Washington, DC, September 11, 2015. Hon. Julia Brownley, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Brownley: On behalf of the over 2 million members of The American Legion, I would like to express our support for H.R. 2915, the Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act. This bill, as written, would improve female veteran suicide prevention programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by amending Title 38 directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to identify mental health care and suicide prevention programs and metrics that are effective in treating women veterans. This bill also strives to improve suicide prevention programs for female veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system. In 2014, The American Legion passed a resolution urging the President and Congress to sign into law the Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act or similar acts that will expand and improve the care provided to veterans and servicemembers who have mental health issues or are at risk of suicide. Under this Act, the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs would be required to review their mental health care programs on an annual basis to ensure their effectiveness, offer special training on identifying those high risk veterans who are suicidal to their mental health providers, and to improve the process regarding medical records and prescriptions for the purpose of ensuring that there is a seamless health care process for those servicemembers who are transitioning out of the service. Again, The American Legion supports H.R 2915, the Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act and applauds your leadership in addressing this critical issue facing our nation's veterans and their families. Sincerely, Dale Barnett, National Commander.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

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

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Madam Chair, I would like to begin by thanking the chairmen and ranking members of the full committee and the subcommittee for their work on this bipartisan bill. I worked very hard to become a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee because I wanted very much to be part of a team that gets things done. When I first joined the committee, many of my constituents back in Ventura County questioned whether the 114th Congress could get a surface transportation bill through the House. The progress that we have made so far on the bill is a testament to the good work that Congress can do when we work together in a bipartisan way, through the committee process, to get things done for the American people. I am also very appreciative of the Rules Committee for making my amendment in order this evening. Madam Chair, my amendment would fix a small problem with the new freight program and would allow small- and mid-sized communities an opportunity to compete for a slightly larger piece of the pie. I agree with many of my colleagues that we absolutely must address capacity issues along long-haul routes and freight corridors. We must address the costly and time-consuming bottlenecks within congested metropolitan areas. We must also address the first- and last-mile connections to our ports, freight yards, and other job centers in our communities. However, Madam Chair, I am concerned that the freight program created in this bill includes a minimum project threshold of $100 million. Let me repeat: $100 million is the minimum threshold. Many of us represent small- and mid-sized communities. In my district of Ventura County, we have struggled over the past few years to address freight bottlenecks in our community, including along Rice Avenue, where we have seen far too many deadly accidents in recent years. But as this bill is currently drafted, Ventura County and many other small- and mid-sized communities across the country won't be able to fully compete for the freight program. We just don't have the resources back home to compete with these large projects. But that doesn't mean that we don't have freight bottlenecks. All that I am seeking is to ensure that small- and mid-sized communities like my county, Ventura County, can better compete. Madam Chairman, my simple amendment would increase the small project set-aside from 10 percent to 20 percent of the available resources to allow more communities across the country to compete for these limited resources. The small project threshold is $5 million or more. My amendment will still leave 80 percent of the money for larger projects. Increasing the small project set-aside will not guarantee funds for any specific project, but it will give many of our districts at least a fighting chance to compete for one-fifth of the funds under the new freight program. Madam Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Madam Chair, I will close. I just would like to reiterate that my amendment will simply increase the small project set-aside, which will leave 80 percent of the limited funds in the program for large projects. This is allowing the large projects to win. A small project may not win at all, but it is just giving us, the small- and mid-sized communities, an opportunity to compete. Again, for many, many districts, $100 million is just an insurmountable sum, but we can and want to compete under the freight program for very important projects. Again, I thank the chairman for all of his work on this important bill. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan bill, the READ Act, which will ensure, finally, that science drives informed public policy. I want to thank Chairman Smith for his passionate leadership on this issue. Today is a day, I think, that we can all celebrate, and I want to thank him very, very much for all of his efforts. The READ Act will increase National Science Foundation research on dyslexia, including best practices on early identification and professional development for teachers and school administrators. It will also support research on the most effective teaching practices and curriculum models for students with dyslexia. The research this bill supports can make a difference, a big, big difference, in the lives of millions of American children. Learning disabilities like dyslexia and attention-related disorders affect as many as one in five children in our country. It was my daughter Hannah's struggle with dyslexia, that led me, quite frankly, to public service. Out of real frustration, I ran for my local school board because, as a parent, it was clear to me that our schools were unprepared to meet my daughter's needs and to meet the needs of students with dyslexia, and teachers had never been properly trained to identify this learning disability. After 12 years on the school board, I was elected to my State legislature. And as chair of the California Assembly on Education, I also worked to improve education for students with learning disabilities. Now, as a Member of Congress, I want to do my part at the Federal level. Across the country, many States are stepping up to this challenge. They have passed new laws to update their education codes, get assistive technology into more classrooms, and to boost teacher training. Advancements in cognitive science can teach us much more about how the brain develops and, therefore, how children learn. In closing, I want to share with everyone that my daughter is now 30 years old. She speaks three languages, and she is saving the world one life at a time in Africa. So she finally got the services she needs and is being very successful in life and following her own dreams. I also want to thank, again, the gentleman from Texas, who is my co- chair on the Dyslexia Caucus, as well as all the members of the Science Committee for their bipartisan support for the READ Act. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this very important piece of legislation.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Paso Pacifico, an organization wholeheartedly dedicated to the restoration and conservation of the natural ecosystem of Central America's Pacific Slope, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. Headquartered in Ventura County, California, Paso Pacifico transcends distance by committing itself to an ecological mission and vision that is shared by the Nicaraguan communities that it serves. Beginning as a collaborative dream of Sarah Otterstrom and Liza Gonzalez, Paso Pacifico has grown into an exceptional organization that strives to rescue, save, and rehabilitate the natural wonders and resources of Central America, and specifically Nicaragua. Paso Pacifico has worked diligently to collaborate with private landowners, local businesses, government agencies, local and international non- governmental organizations, schoolchildren, and conservation scientists to protect Nicaragua's fragile ecosystem. For the past decade, Paso Pacifico has empowered local communities and economies by creating and managing community programs throughout the region. These programs have ranged from mitigating climate change to rebuilding forests in order to positively affect the future of the global ecology. Paso Pacifico has developed conservation programs to address the issues that impact the local coastal and marine ecosystems. The organization's efforts include beach cleanup projects that have been comprised of over 6,000 people spanning across 80 beaches in Nicaragua, removing over 330,000 pounds of trash. Since 2005, Paso Pacifico has had a profound impact and has saved the habitats of the local endangered wildlife, including four species of sea turtles, the black-handed spider monkey, and the yellow-naped Amazon parrot. Due to an outstanding and remarkable team including a dedicated staff, active Board of Directors, and numerous scientists, professionals, and volunteers, Paso Pacifico has achieved notable success through its unique programs and initiatives. Paso Pacifico has received the Emil M. Mrak International Award from the University of California, Davis, as well as the Gold Level Validation by the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance. Paso Pacifico has also been honored and recognized by National Geographic, the United States Forest Service, and the Disney Conservation Fund. For their significant and critical efforts to protect the environment along the Pacific Coast of Central America, I am honored to recognize Paso Pacifico for 10 years of service. It is with sincere gratitude that I congratulate Paso Pacifico on reaching this momentous milestone and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Community Action of Ventura County on the occasion of their 50th anniversary. For five decades, this remarkable organization has promoted economic equality through an array of efforts to combat poverty in Ventura County. Community Action of Ventura County was established in 1965 under the Economic Opportunity Act, one of the first federal anti-poverty programs in the United States. To this day, the organization's mission continues to be to serve as an auxiliary to assist poverty-stricken citizens in achieving self-sufficiency. Today, the organization has proven its effectiveness by reducing poverty rates across the region, and is a recognized leader among community-based organizations. The services that Community Action of Ventura County provides to residents of our community have been invaluable in assisting those who live below the poverty line. Serving approximately 8,000 clients every year through impactful programs, Community Action of Ventura County has been instrumental in the effort to reduce poverty and economic inequality in Ventura County. With committed and steadfast board members, staff, and volunteers, all working toward the goal of lifting people out of poverty, this organization positively impacts our community through partnership building and advocacy for measures to help low-income individuals and families survive and rise up above poverty. In its fifty years of service, Community Action of Ventura County has also implemented other important programs such as Los Compadres and Successful Living. Los Compadres and Successful Living aim to work with high risk youth by providing mentors and instructional sessions that teach young people to make responsible decisions and achieve economic success. The organization has not only granted financial assistance to the community, they provide resources to those in need to promote upward mobility, be self-sufficient, and lead successful lives. For these reasons, I am honored to recognize Community Action of Ventura County on their 50th anniversary. It is with sincere gratitude that I commend Community Action of Ventura County for its continued success and service to our community.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the remarkable life of David B. Finkel, an honorable veteran, a distinguished civil rights attorney, an esteemed elected official, and someone I was privileged to call a friend. David deeply impacted countless lives by standing up for civil rights, freedom of speech, affordable housing, and educational equality for over six decades. David was also a longtime and devoted member of the Sholem community and will be remembered for his integrity and compassion as a ``warrior for justice.'' David, the son of Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution in Europe, lived through historical events such as the Great Depression and World War II. These heavy experiences shaped David into a lifelong advocate for social justice by instilling deep values within him of humility and humanitarianism. In his youth, David served as Bal Torah at Temple B'nai Abraham under Rabbi Joachim Prinz, who advocated for equality as a speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. This experience gave David a deeper understanding of human rights that he carried with him throughout his life. During the Cold War, David served in the U.S. Army and refused to sign the loyalty oath when his mother was brought before the House Un- American Activities Committee. David won a case before the U.S. Supreme Court when he argued that a son should not be forced to choose between the 10th Amendment to honor country and the 10th Commandment to honor family. David's involvement in this case carved a path for him to follow a career in law and justice. Through discipline and dedication, David obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago in 1951 and earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Southern California in 1959. In the 1960s, David worked during the Freedom Summer in Mississippi, as well as a defense lawyer of conscientious objectors during the Vietnam War. In his noteworthy legal career, David was known for his work ethic as he tried cases representing labor unions advocating for working families, freedom of speech cases for professors and students, and discrimination cases promoting racial equality and protecting civil rights. David began his notable political career when he became a founding member of Santa Monicans for Renters Rights in 1981 and was elected to the Santa Monica Rent Control Board in 1983. David was first elected to the Santa Monica City Council in 1986, where he served a period as Mayor Pro-Tempore. David was then elected to the Los Angeles Superior Court in Santa Monica in 1984. Upon retirement from the bench, David began to humbly teach at Santa Monica City College in 2002 as he wanted to contribute more to the community. In 2006, David was recruited and elected to the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees, where he served until 2014. Those who knew David, remember him fondly as a compassionate, thoughtful, and brilliant advocate for his community. David worked with a great spirit and it was his steadfast commitment to serving his community that made for a particularly extraordinary career and life. In heartfelt recognition and appreciation of the outstanding impact and contributions that David made to his community and country, I wish to send my sincere condolences to his wife, Bruria, his family, and to all who knew him. His work and legacy are immeasurable, and his presence in the community will be greatly missed.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks was founded in 1965 and is part of Kiwanis International, a global organization of steadfast volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. For five decades, the ever-expanding Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks has served countless children and has held true to its mission of public service. It is through this service to community that the Kiwanis Club continues to make the Conejo Valley a better place to live, work, and raise a family. Over the last half century, the organization has made a concerted effort to encourage members of the community of all ages to volunteer. With over 100 members across the Conejo Valley region, the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks has quickly become an impressive success and annually dedicates thousands of volunteer hours to its cause. In addition to its invaluable service to the community, the club provides support for several youth leadership programs such as KEY Clubs in local high schools and service learning organizations at both Pepperdine University and California Lutheran University. Furthermore, the Kiwanis Club has also focused on the Eliminate Project, an international program that works to end maternal and neonatal tetanus. For its exceptional work towards building a better community and world, I am honored to recognize the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks for 50 years of service. It is with sincere gratitude that I congratulate the organization on reaching this historic and momentous milestone.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Andrew C. Wiktorowicz, an outstanding leader and representative of the California Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). During Mr. Wiktorowicz's two terms as Chairman of California's ESGR, his extensive expertise and unwavering leadership forwarded the organization's mission of promoting supportive work environments for servicemembers through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities. Mr. Wiktorowicz's exceptional leadership was instrumental in combining the Northern and Southern California committees into a single California Committee for the ESGR. Mr. Wiktorowicz managed a seamless transition and successfully integrated both regions to create the largest ESGR Committee in the United States. Under Mr. Wiktorowicz's direction, the California ESGR served an estimated 63,000 members of the National Guard Reserves and additionally supported over 600 military and employer events annually. Additionally, Mr. Wiktorowicz developed and implemented the highly effective Employment Initiative Program supporting over 5,000 Citizen Warriors and resulting in over 500 successful hires. During Mr. Wiktorowicz's tenure, over 14,000 employers signed the ESGR Statement of Support and over 5,000 supervisors received the Employer Support Patriot Award. His selfless dedication to the committee and service members distinguished the ESGR as the premier military and employer volunteer establishment in the State of California. Mr. Wiktorowicz's efforts have been recognized nationally because of his strong Ombudsman Program, which effectively supports all California Guard and Reservists. Mr. Wiktorowicz has been an amazing asset to both Ventura County and the State of California. Through his efforts on behalf of servicemembers and the working community, he has created an organization that for many is the backbone of their tenure in the California Guard and Reserves. For these reasons, I would like to graciously thank Mr. Wiktorowicz for his steadfast commitment and dedication as the Chairman of the State of California's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Mr. Wiktorowicz's work with the ESGR will continue to positively shape the experience for future generations of the California Guard and Reserves.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Lieutenant Chris J. Miller, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor, on the special occasion of his transfer to the Coast Guard District Eight New Orleans District Response Advisory Team. During his time as Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Miller expertly managed 51 active duty and reserve personnel while directing the safe and efficient completion of over 3,000 underway hours, conducting more than 1,400 missions and sorties in support of 176 Search and Rescue cases and 300 recreational and commercial boardings. His leadership resulted in the saving of 53 lives, the preservation of over 4.5 million dollars in property, and significantly improved boating safety along the coast of California. Under his command, Lieutenant Miller regularly held annual National Safe Boating expos, each hosting between 800 to 1,000 visitors annually and provided an average of 420 tours of station boats including hosting 22 marine supply vendors, fire rescue, police, Red Cross and local maritime organizations. The Expo continues to issue over 90 new lifejackets and promote rescue demonstrations that are highly successful and showcase the efforts made by the United States Coast Guard. Additionally, Lieutenant Miller's outstanding leadership has resulted in his receipt of numerous awards and accolades to include the Coast Guard Commendation and Coast Guard Achievement Medals, Commandant Letter of Commendation Medals, Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, as well as a number of other personal and service awards. Along with his exemplary service in the United States Coast Guard, Lieutenant Miller is an active leader in the community balancing a rigorous work schedule with serving community needs in several local organizations. He volunteered with the Camarillo YMCA and the Naval Base Ventura, Youth Sports Association where he coached basketball and soccer for six youth teams. He volunteered at local homeless shelters and rescue missions distributing food at Thanksgiving and giving out gifts at Christmas. He routinely opened the station for tours to local schools and provided outreach by visiting and speaking at local schools during Career Day functions. For over two decades, Lieutenant Miller's exceptional career and community involvement is indicative of his commitment to serving his country. As he embarks on a new chapter in his life as Commanding Officer for the Coast Guard District Response Advisory Team in New Orleans, Louisiana, I want to express my sincere appreciation for Lieutenant Miller's honorable and selfless service to our community. I wish him the best in all his future endeavors.

Ms. BROWNLEY of California

Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Jeffrey L. Baarstad, an influential and respected educator who has been committed to the success of our community, and has bestowed an immeasurable and remarkable quality of education upon students in Ventura County. For over a decade, Superintendent Baarstad has served the Conejo Valley Unified School District with an unwavering commitment to the education of over 20,000 students within 27 schools throughout the district. The Conejo Valley Unified School District is an essential resource for many residents of Ventura County and is one of the top ranked school districts in California thanks to the dedication of outstanding educators like Superintendent Baarstad. The Conejo Valley Unified School District serves as a beacon, which continues to lead the way towards a higher standard of quality education and academic success for countless children across our community. The work that the Conejo Valley Unified School District has accomplished, with Dr. Baarstad at its helm, has been recognized for its distinction by many national and state organizations. In 2010, Dr. Baarstad became the Superintendent of Conejo Valley Unified School District, and only three years later was recognized as Superintendent of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators for his outstanding work. Extraordinary educators like Superintendent Baarstad exemplify Ventura County's commitment to education. Although Superintendent Baarstad will be retiring from Conejo Valley Unified School District, he is leaving a significant mark on public education throughout the region, and an immense impact on our community. I am certain his work will continue to inspire educators in their own commitment to providing an excellent education to students in Ventura County. For these reasons, I graciously thank Superintendent Baarstad for his unwavering dedication as an educator for the past 35 years. It has been my sincere pleasure to work with Dr. Baarstad, whose influence will extend to many future generations.