Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on consideration of the H.R. 2822, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to bring to the floor H.R. 2822, the fiscal year 2016 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. As we begin, I want to personally thank Chairman Rogers for his leadership and support. Under his guidance, the Committee on Appropriations is again setting the standard for getting things done in the House. The Interior bill is the seventh appropriation bill to come to the floor so far this year. I also want to thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum), my good friend and ranking member, for her partnership and work on this bill. Finally, I want to thank each of our subcommittee members for their efforts and the collegiality that continues to be the hallmark of our subcommittee's deliberations. Even though we may have differences of opinion within this bill, I greatly appreciate the Members' constructive contribution, and I mean that sincerely. The committee has made very difficult choices preparing this bill. As reported by the Committee on Appropriations, the fiscal year 2016 Interior and Environment bill is funded at $30.17 billion, which is $246 million below the fiscal year 2015-enacted level and $3 billion below the budget request. We have made a sincere effort to prioritize needs within our 302(b) allocation. I would like to point out a few of the highlights. Again, this year, the committee has provided robust wildland fire funding. Fire suppression accounts at the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service are fully funded at the 10-year average level. The hazardous fuels program was increased by $75 million to $526 million in the fiscal year 2015-enacted bill, and that increase has been maintained in this bill. This bill also continues critical investments in Indian Country, a nonpartisan priority of the committee. Building upon the bipartisan work of the former subcommittee chairmen Mike Simpson, Jim Moran, and Norm Dicks, this bill continues to make investments in education, public safety, and health programs in Indian Country. Overall, funding for the Indian Health Service is increased by $145 million, or 3 percent, while funding for the Bureaus of Indian Affairs and Education is increased by $165 million, or 6 percent, from fiscal year 2015 levels, the largest percentage increase in this bill. This bill provides full funding in fiscal year 2016 for the Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILT, payments. PILT payments are made to 49 of the 50 States as well as to the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The bill provides $2.7 billion for the National Park Service, including more than $60 million in new funding, relating to the centennial of the Park Service. We have also addressed a number of priorities within the Fish and Wildlife Service accounts. The bill funds popular cost-shared grant programs above the fiscal year 2015-enacted levels. It also provides additional funds to combat international wildlife trafficking, protects fish hatcheries from cuts and closures, continues funding to fight invasive species, and reduces the backlog of species that are recovered but not yet de-listed. The bill provides $248 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, programs that enjoy broad support--bipartisan support, for that matter. Some Members would prefer more funding; others would prefer less for LWCF. We have attempted to forge a middle ground that begins to return the emphasis of the Land and Water Conservation Fund to its original intent of recreation and State and local acquisitions. Overall, funding for EPA is reduced by $718 million, or 9 percent, from fiscal year 2015-enacted levels. Members from the Great Lakes region will be pleased to know that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is maintained at the fiscal year 2015-enacted level of $300 million. Rural water technical assistance grants and many categorical grants, including radon grants, are level funded at the fiscal year 2015 enacted level. Again this year, there is a great deal of concern over the number of regulatory actions being pursued by the EPA in the absence of legislation and without clear congressional direction. For this reason, the bill includes a number of provisions to stop unnecessary and damaging regulatory overreach by the Agency. Before closing, I would like to address the Endangered Species Act provisions in this bill. We have no interest in interfering with science or letting any species go extinct, but we are concerned about Federal regulatory actions lacking in basic fairness and common sense. The provisions in this bill address problems created by an ESA driven not by science, but by court orders that drain limited Agency resources and force the Department to cut corners to meet arbitrary deadlines. Nowhere is this more evident than with the sage-grouse. States are rightfully concerned that a listing or unnecessarily restrictive Federal land use plans will jeopardize existing conservation partnerships with States and private landowners. These partnerships are necessary to save both the sagebrush ecosystem and local economies. So long as sage-grouse are not under imminent threat of extinction, cooperative conservation must be given a chance to work. That is why this bill maintains a 1-year delay on any decision to list sage-grouse along with full funding to implement conservation efforts. House consideration of this bill is the next step in a long legislative process. I hope over the coming months we will come together, as we do each year, to find common ground. In that spirit, I look forward to continuing to work with Ms. McCollum and the Members of the House on both sides of the aisle. In closing, I want to thank the staff on both sides for their hard work on this bill. On the minority side, I would like to thank Rick Healy, Rita Culp, Joe Carlile, as well as Rebecca Taylor. They have played an integral role in the process, and their efforts are very much appreciated. On the majority side, I would like to thank subcommittee staff Kristin Richmond, Jackie Kilroy, Betsy Bina, Jason Gray, Darren Benjamin, and Dave LesStrang. I would also like to thank Ian Foley, Rebecca Keightley, Alexandra Berenter, and Tricia Evans on my personal staff for their great work. Mr. Chairman, this is a good bill. It deserves the support of the Members of this body. I reserve the balance of my time. 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Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, it is my pleasure to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the full committee chairman.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, it is my pleasure to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Jenkins), our new hard-working member.

Mr. CALVERT. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, as the gentleman knows, I am a westerner. As was pointed out by Mr. Poe, a significant amount of the West is in BLM control. In dealing with the BLM over the years, they have a lot of land mass that they deal with, and they also work with the Native American tribes and others dealing with really a restricted number of law enforcement. We have commented and criticized about how well they operate, but I would hope that we didn't have to do this because there is a considerable need for some law enforcement in those vast areas in which the Federal Government owns throughout the Western United States.

Mr. CALVERT. I claim time in opposition, but I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentlewoman for a fine amendment and the great work that she has done working with both the majority and minority staff in fashioning this amendment.

Mr. CALVERT. I yield to the gentlewoman from Minnesota.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Sergeant Eric Matthew Seaman, United States Marine Corps, Wildomar, California, California's 42nd Congressional District.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to his country are exceptional. Throughout the history of our republic we have asked young men and women to voluntarily step forward to guard and protect the freedoms we hold so dear. U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Eric Matthew Seaman of Murrieta, California, took that step forward and assumed the duties, responsibilities and sacrifices that are required of all Americans who join the finest military in history. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country. As a decorated Marine Corps helicopter crew chief, Sgt. Seaman was called upon when a devastating earthquake ravaged the impoverished nation of Nepal. The disaster has killed more than 8,500 Nepalese citizens and destroyed more than half a million homes, many of which are in remote areas that are now cutoff from medical and food supplies due to landslides. Sgt. Seaman was selected to be a member of Joint Task Force 505, which was activated to support the government of Nepal by conducting humanitarian disaster relief operations. During the mission, Sgt. Seaman and other Task Force members distributed critical supplies to rural, hard to reach communities and provided impacted Nepalese people with the life sustaining supplies they so desperately needed. Tragically, on May 12, 2015, Sgt. Seaman, along with five other U.S. Marines and two Nepalese soldiers, died when their helicopter crashed during a supply mission in the Charikot region of Nepal. President Ronald Reagan said, ``Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference. The Marines don't have that problem.'' Sgt. Seaman embodies that sentiment and made invaluable contributions to the cause of liberty around the globe since joining the Marine Corps in 2009. Having deployed to Afghanistan and to Nepal, Sgt. Seaman bravely put himself in harm's way in order to carry out his mission, protect his country, and save the lives of innocent civilians. Those, Mr. Speaker, are the actions of a hero. Sgt. Seaman is survived by his wife, Samantha, as well as a young son and daughter, and his parents, Bruce and Cheryl. The burdens and grief that they are left to endure are beyond calculation, but it is my hope that they can find some solace in knowing that their husband, father, and son served our country proudly and made truly life-saving contributions to people in tremendous need. Mr. Speaker, I know you and the entire House of Representatives join me in expressing my prayers and heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Seaman's family and friends.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule is critically flawed and needs to be rewritten. After following the rule- making process very closely, I have no confidence that that the current rule will give any clarity for those who will be greatly impacted by this proposed rule. If anything, Mr. Speaker, the only clarity I can find in the proposed rule is that we will see an increase in the number of permits that the Corps of Engineers and EPA will need to issue for landowners to develop their land, and any litigation that may result. The proposed rule would automatically regulate all tributaries that connect to a downstream water body and all streams and wetlands in floodplains or riparian areas of regulated water bodies unless they are deemed not navigable by the EPA or Army Corps. To me, that sounds like a dream for lawyers and a nightmare for everyone else. We must curb regulatory overreach and protect our economy as well as the rights of landowners. During the public comment period, more than a million comments were submitted. Earlier this year during an Energy and Water Appropriations hearing the Corps informed us that 58 percent of the comments were in opposition to the rule, then later that month at an Interior Appropriations hearing the EPA informed us that 87% of the comments supported the rule. If the two agencies responsible for developing and implementing the rule cannot even agree on the number of comments submitted supporting the rule, how can they be trusted to implement the rule? In the FY15 Omnibus we included Congressional direction to the EPA and the Army Corps to withdraw the flawed `Interpretive Rule' that EPA had issued in conjunction with the proposed Waters of the US rule and the Administration withdrew the `Interpretive Rule'. It's now time that we enact Congressional direction to withdraw the entire Waters of the US rule as proposed, and start fresh following the comment period. Therefore, Mr. Chair I support this bill and I encourage all my fellow members to vote for it.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Scott A. Bailey, an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Moreno Valley, California are exceptional. Moreno Valley has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated people who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Scott Bailey is one of these individuals. After graduating from Moreno Valley High School as an Eagle Scout, Scott married his wife Beverly and started working as an electrician in 1981. The couple had three children, bought a home in Moreno Valley, and had humble, yet unselfishly universal dreams about putting their children through college and saving enough to retire easily. Living in the economy of the early nineties, Scott and Beverly brainstormed about the best options to keep her from returning to her job in real estate and decided to start their own electrical contracting business out of their own home. The Baileys had a remarkable vision to create a construction company based on an unwavering commitment to quality and not only did they achieve this goal, but by doing so, everything else seemed to fall into line. Stronghold Engineering built a solid reputation as the go to contractor for civil, design/build, and high voltage electrical projects on both a national and international level. This allowed the company to become ranked and win several awards. Scott is responsible for day-to-day operations as the Chief Operating Officer and supports all Stronghold Engineering field personnel, resources, and projects. Over the course of the company's 23-year history, he has managed and directed over 450 projects, with the average project sizes ranging from $500,000 to well over $100,000,000. Scott has always been a hands-on manager making visits to each project site ensuring only the best quality and safety standards are met whether he's making trips to Europe, South Africa, Russia, Canada, or Mexico, he remains humble and true to his roots by giving back to the world community as well as his own. Scott has chaired the ABC Craft Championships Committee, has helped in the rebuilding efforts in devastated New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and in Mexico, helped to build an orphanage for at risk children. Stronghold recently donated all labor in helping two local Riverside churches switch to solar energy. In light of all Scott Bailey has done for the community of Moreno Valley, it is clear that he deserves the Distinguished Citizen Award. Scott's tireless passion for the community has contributed immensely to the betterment of Moreno Valley, California. He has been the heart and soul of many community projects, and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious award.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona and Riverside County at large are exceptional. Corona has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent to make their communities a better place to live and work. Brad Robbins is one of these individuals. On April 15, 2015, Brad will be honored for his dedicated service as he ends his tenure as the City of Corona's City Manager. Brad has worked on behalf of the City of Corona since 1988 and has established himself as a highly regarded leader and active member of the community. Throughout his twenty-eight years of service with the City of Corona, Brad has held a variety of titles including the Department of Water and Power General Manager, Assistant City Manager- Community Development Director, Director of Planning and Assistant City Manager. Due to his success in all of these roles, Brad was then appointed as City Manager in August of 2008. Acting as such, Brad enforced the city ordinances and carried out the policies of the Council through the control and direction of City Departments. During the past seven years, not only did Brad productively navigate the economic recession and the impact on the City of Corona, but he also encouraged the community to continue to thrive and grow as a leader in Southern California. Numerous Corona City Council members have extensively commended Brad for accomplishing so much during his time as City Manager, most especially because he is such an exceptional person to work with. In light of all Brad Robbins has done for the community of Corona, I wish him the best as he embarks on his retirement. Brad's tireless passion for the community has contributed immensely to the betterment of Corona, California. I am proud to call Brad a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he ends his time as City Manager for the City of Corona.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona and Riverside County at large are exceptional. Corona has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Greg Irvine is one of these individuals. On April 15, 2015, Greg will be honored for his dedicated service as he ends his tenure as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Corona. Greg's work with the City of Corona began in 1996 when he first served as the Assistant City Treasurer. Greg was then promoted to Interim City Treasurer and would later be promoted again to serve as Assistant General Manager for the Department of Water and Power. Greg was then moved to be the Assistant to the City Manager and in August of 2004, he was appointed to Assistant City Manager. It was in this capacity that he oversaw public policy for the City of Corona which encompassed legislative advocacy and city communications as well as marketing efforts. Given his depth of experience through his service as Assistant and Interim City Treasurer, he also had the executive responsibility for the Finance Department. His knowledge was helpful for Corona in steering through the recession and has been commended by several City Council Members. Additionally, Greg's involvement in the community goes far beyond the doors of City Hall. He has been an active participant in numerous community service organizations throughout Corona. In light of all Greg Irvine has done for the community of Corona, I wish him the best as he embarks on his retirement. Greg's tireless passion for the community has contributed immensely to the betterment of Corona, California. I am proud to call Greg a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he ends his time as Assistant City Manager for the City of Corona.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, our national debt continues to pose a serious threat to our future economic growth and national security. If we fail to act, these threats will grow and the risk to our country will be far greater. Like so many American households know all too well, balancing a budget is never easy. The budget process requires us to make a number of hard choices between priorities we all support. However, there is no doubt that if we fail to make these difficult decisions today, we will face even more ominous options in the years ahead. If we followed President Obama's budget plan that's exactly where it would take us--more spending, more debt, and more kicking the can down the road. That's not leadership. Thankfully, House Republicans have chosen to once again pursue a responsible path that leads to a truly balanced budget. I want to applaud Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price and the rest of our colleagues on the committee for drafting a budget that cuts more than $5 trillion in spending and balances the budget in less than 10 years without raising taxes. The House budget will enhance our economic future by calling for a fairer, simpler tax code and repealing the job-killing provisions in ObamaCare, including its taxes, regulations and mandates. The plan promotes freedom of choice, affordability, and patient-centered heath care solutions. In order to protect our national security, the House budget will ensure necessary funding is provided for troop training, equipment and compensation. Defense spending under the plan will be greater than the level proposed in the President's budget and will ensure readiness. The budget also includes provisions that will improve the efficiency in the Defense Department, including the civilian workforce. Specifically, the budget contains language that echoes the REDUCE Act, legislation that I have introduced that would require any reductions in military end strength be accompanied by appropriate reductions in the civilian workforce in order to maintain a ratio that more closely resembles the historical average. There's no question that the House budget requires a number of sacrifices, but American families make and live with similar sacrifices every day and they expect our government to do the same. President Obama may not understand that, but I do and I encourage all of my colleagues to support the House Republican budget and its path towards a brighter economic future and a more secure America.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Temecula, California are exceptional. Temecula has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. John Kelliher is one of such individual. On February 21, 2015, John will be honored at the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala where he will receive the Citizen of the Year award. Grapeline Wine Tours was founded and introduced in Temecula, California by John and his wife, Kim, in June of 2002. The company's reach now spans through Santa Barbara County and Paso Robles. Prior to their inception, Temecula did not offer many options regarding wine tour operators. Grapeline Wine Tours has now grown to become the largest wine tour operator in Southern and Central California, shuttling over 20,000 visitors through the beautiful vineyards of Temecula. John's Grapeline venture has become so successful, the business has announced their upcoming expansion to Northern California, encompassing wine regions in Sonoma. Over the past ten years, Temecula has now become even more of a destination for travel and tourism as over hundreds of thousands come to visit the region. Much of this can be accredited to promising businesses such as Grapeline Wine Tours that encourage fun-filled experiences in Southwest County. In the course of Grapeline Wine Tour's progression, John has won a variety of awards and accolades for its success. The business and its founders have won awards including the 2005 Sterling Business of the Year from the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Hospitality Award and Tourism Professional of the Year Award from the Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2013. With unmatched depth and experience, Grapeline Wine Tours is sure to be successful in their future endeavors throughout California. John Kelliher's tireless passion for the Southwest County has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Temecula, California. I am proud to call John a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the remarkable Douglas Magnon who passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 in California. Doug was a pillar of the community in Riverside, California and he will be deeply missed. Doug was a man of many passions, most notably was for motor racing. Sparked early on in his childhood through accompanying his father, Raymond, to races at the Riverside International Raceway, Doug was inspired to launch the Riverside International Automotive Museum. By means of his active leadership and profound knowledge of automobiles, the museum quickly received resounding support from the greater racing community that still continues today. The Riverside International Automotive Museum is one of the most highly regarding racing collections in Northern America with its extensive collection of unmatched artifacts and materials from throughout racing history. However, Doug did not stop there. In 2013, with the support and partnership of friend Paul Kinsella, the two opened up Newport Italian, a motorcycle dealership specializing in Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Aprilla. When not hitting high speeds, Doug could often be found honing his culinary skills and sharing his Italian recipes with the community. In 2012, Doug and his sister opened the family restaurant Magnone Trattoria & Market, for which Doug not only created the menus, but also served as executive chef. As an avid supporter of the Riverside community, Doug also freely gave his time and talents to many local organizations such as the Riverside County Philharmonic and the University of California, Riverside. In addition to serving as a mentor to young and aspiring individuals, Doug would often inspire anyone he crossed paths through his generous heart and unabashed enthusiasm for life. Doug was the loving husband to Evonne, son to Raymond and Elaine, brother to Deanna, Cheryl, Patti and Ryan, and devoted uncle to many nieces and nephews. On Sunday, February 15, 2015, a memorial service celebrating Doug's extraordinary life will be held. Doug will always be remembered for his incredible contributions to business, his work ethic, generosity, and love of family. The way in which Doug lived his life should serve as reminder to others that the power of an individual with drive, perseverance and a strong work-ethic can do great things. His dedication to his work, family and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Doug's family and friends; although Doug may be gone, the light and goodness he brought to the world remains and will never be forgotten.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Temecula, California are exceptional. Temecula has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated people who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Dan Atwood is one of these individuals. On February 21, 2015, Dan will be honored at the Temecula Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala where he will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. After moving to California in the 1970s, Dan quickly immersed himself into the automotive industry, eventually purchasing his first dealership in 1987. Launching forward from there, Dan opened a second dealership, Temecula Toyota. Dan's business has been a staple of the community which continually keeps pace with the ever-expanding region. In the twenty-five year span that the dealership has been operating, it has always been under the watchful eyes of the Atwood family, even as the dealership has grown to employ over two hundred employees. Dan has given his time to the community not only as a businessman, but as a dedicated citizen committed to improving and strengthening the Temecula region. He has continually served numerous organizations in order to give back to the community that has always supported his endeavors. The groups that Dan is involved in span from nationally recognized non-profits, such as Habitat for Humanity, to locally started organizations such as the Balloon and Wine Festival. For over ten years, Dan has also opened his doors to Safe Alternative for Everyone and their highly successful Denim and Diamonds fundraiser, bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit victims of domestic abuse. Additionally, the gates of the Atwood Estate Winery, another Atwood venture, are often opened on multiple occasions during the year to host fundraisers benefiting the community. As a firm believer in the future of tomorrow, Dan has worked to never miss a chance to participate in events that benefit the youth of the community. From sponsoring events to providing full-ride college scholarships, to serving as a mentor at the Boys & Girls Club, Dan has invested himself in the future generations of community leaders. In light of all Dan Atwood has done for the community of Temecula, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce announced Dan to be their Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dan's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of Temecula, California. He has been the heart and soul of many community organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many local citizens are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious award.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to California and the City of Temecula are exceptional. Temecula has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent to make their communities a better place to live and work. Mayor Ronald H. Roberts is one of these individuals. At a celebration on January 27, 2015, Mayor Roberts will be honored as he retires after many years of City Council service to the Temecula community. About one month after the City of Temecula's incorporation, Ronald began working on the city's first ``Traffic Committee'' in January of 1990. In October of the same year, Ronald was selected to serve on the city's first Traffic Commission. In November of 1992, Ronald began his service on the Temecula City Council, dedicating his time, talents and efforts to his local community. Throughout his tenure, the main objective of Mayor Roberts was to ensure the quality of life for all Temecula citizens continued to thrive, an objective he continued to champion throughout his twenty two years on City Council. Additionally, during his time as Mayor, he has played a pivotal role in the political landscape of the Temecula community, region and state. Prior to his work on the City Council, Ronald served his community during his time with the California Highway Patrol, retiring after twenty nine years of valiant service. Ronald also freely gives his leadership and experience to many organizations, serving and chairing many boards at the community, regional, and state levels. These organizations include Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley Board of Directors, Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival, City of Temecula Traffic & Transportation Commission, Western Riverside Council of Government Executive Committee, Southern California Association of Governments, Southern California Association of Governments Transportation & Communications Committee, Riverside County Transportation Commission, Riverside County Transportation Commission Budget & Implementation Committee, Southern California Regional Rail Authority, Southern California Regional Rail Authority/Metrolink Operations Oversight Committee, SCAQMD Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee and National League of Cities Transportation Infrastructure & Services Committee. As the longest standing City Council Member for the City of Temecula and as a man who has devoted over two decades to this great city, it is only fitting that he be honored as he retires from public service. Mayor Roberts' tireless passion for public service has contributed immensely to the betterment of our region and the state and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he retires and moves onto the next phase of his life.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose commitment and contributions to the City of Murrieta, California are exceptional. Murrieta has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Murrieta Fire Chief, Matt Shobert, is one of these individuals. On Tuesday, January 20, 2015, Matt Shobert will be honored for his devoted and valiant service to the people of Murrieta. Matt began his firefighting career in Tucson, Arizona, actively working his way to leading the fire department in Sedona, Arizona. He then brought his talent and leadership to the Hemet Fire Department, in which he served as Fire Chief for three years. Matt was then appointed as Murrieta's Fire Chief in March of 2011 in which he enthusiastically served the community for nearly four years. Chief Shobert holds a Master Degree in Organizational Management, a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and an Associate's Degree in Fire Science. In addition, Matt also graduated from the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officers' Program, has been accredited three times as a Chief Fire Officer Designee by the Center for Public Safety Excellence and has also been awarded membership into the Institution of Fire Engineers. Chief Matt Shobert is retiring after incurring a devastating injury while doing what he enjoyed most, keeping the people of Murrieta safe. Throughout his tenure, Fire Chief Matt Shobert continued the distinguished history of the Murrieta Fire Department, working daily to improve the partnership held with the community and by enhancing the strong sense of camaraderie amongst the firefighters in his department. Fire Chief Matt Shobert has been an excellent public servant who has consistently provided for the safety and well-being of the community of Murrieta. His legacy will serve as a shining example and constant reminder of what it means to be a public servant and I am proud to call Matt a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many are grateful for his service and salute him in his retirement.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the fiscal year 2015 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, as well as the amendments that will be offered to put the brakes on President Obama's executive overreach on illegal immigration. My constituents are depending on the House and the Senate to send a strong message to the White House that their attempt to grant amnesty through executive action is an affront to the democratic process that has served our Nation well for more than 200 years. The reason people are fleeing from south to north is that this side of the border, we have the rule of law, not men. I want to thank Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman John Carter, Chairman Hal Rogers, and the rest of my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for putting together a responsible bill that provides the funds for our Homeland Security personnel and the need to carry out their mission. Specifically, the bill provides significant funding for our Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to ensure both agencies have the ability to stem large flows of illegal immigration like we witnessed last summer in Texas. Another important tool in tackling illegal immigration is the increased use of E-Verify, which remains the only and best way for employers to confirm that the employees that they hire are in this country legally. The underlying bill contains full funding for the E-Verify funding and will allow employers to continue to use this program in a free and efficient manner. When it comes to patrolling our land, air, and sea, Homeland Security officials consistently rely on the awareness and insights that are provided by assets operated by the Air and Marine Operations Center, or AMOC. In fact, AMOC, which is located in Riverside County, California, is the Nation's only Federal law enforcement center tasked to coordinate interdiction operations in the Western Hemisphere. The FY15 bill fully funds the operations of AMOC and ensures that our law enforcement agencies will continue to benefit from their contributions. Again, I want to thank Judge Carter for his leadership, and I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for the FY15 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California are exceptional. Riverside County has been fortunate to have committed community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Jim Pauly is one of these outstanding individuals. On Thursday, January 15, 2015, Jim Pauly will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Corona Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner. In the history of Corona, California, few individuals can match the years of devoted service Jim has given to his hometown. After attending local schools throughout his childhood, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II at seventeen years old as a senior at Corona High School. Following his service in the Armed Forces, Jim returned to attend Chaffey College. In 1947, Jim began working full time at Emerson's Men Clothes. Due to his strong work ethic and commitment to the business, Jim became a partner, changing the name to Emerson-Pauly Menswear. After thriving for over fifty years in Corona retail, Jim retired and closed the storefront in 1993. Jim's commitment to the business community is only matched by his devotion to service and leadership. Jim regularly contributes to the community through work on the Charity Solicitation Committee as Vice Chairman of the Downtown Corona Redevelopment Project and as the Chairman of the Corona Parking Authority. Additionally, Jim is involved in several local organizations, frequently offering his guidance. Jim was a member of the 20-30 Club and acted as the president in 1959. As a fifty eight year member of Elks Lodge, Jim served as Lodge Leader in 1959. Jim also holds fifty-five years of membership with the Rotary Club and served as the organization's president in 1965. Finally, in 1966, Jim was appointed to the Corona-Norco Unified School District Board of Trustees. Due to his exceptional work, he was elected twice more to continue to build a strong foundation for the Corona-Norco Unified School District. In light of all Jim has done for the community of Corona, it is clear he fully deserves the Corona Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement award. Jim's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of Corona, California. He has been the heart and soul of many community organizations, and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious award.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Wayne Keith is certainly one of these individuals. On Thursday, January 15, 2015, Wayne will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Corona Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner. Following his graduation from Iowa State College, Wayne took his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering to the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, known today as NASA. Following his time there, Wayne then took a position with the Aluminum Company of America, ALCOA, in 1945, where he would remain for forty years. After dedicating his time and efforts to offices in Cleveland, Detroit, New Kensington and Pittsburg, Wayne found his home in Corona where he acted as general manager until his retirement from the plant in 1986. In addition to his strong work ethic, Wayne also exemplifies what it means to be a volunteer. After moving to Corona in 1969, Wayne immediately involved himself in the growing Corona community in a variety of capacities. Wayne took on many leadership positions with organizations such as the United Way, Corona Rotary Club, Good Samaritan Boys Home, First Congressional Church, Navy League, Peppermint Ridge, YMCA, The Greater Corona Chamber of Commerce, Corona Community Hospital, Norco-Corona Unified School District, California Manufacturer's Association and the Wagner Foundation. Few citizens can match the years of service Wayne has generously donated to the Corona community. Given all of the contributions Wayne has made, he has received many prestigious honors. In 1975, Wayne was deemed Citizen of the Year by the Corona Chamber of Commerce. Wayne has also been the recipient of other prominent awards such as the Corona Chamber's ``George'' Award, the Corona Community Hospital Volunteers Award, Peppermint Ridge's Golden Hinge Award and the Ira D. Calvert Distinguished Service Award due to his outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the Corona community. In light of all that Wayne has done for the community of Corona, it is clear he fully deserves the Corona Chamber of Commerce's Lifetime Achievement award. Wayne's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of Corona, California. He has been the heart and soul of many community organizations, and I am proud to call him a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious award.