Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Eric Botkin, a retired firefighter paramedic and valued member of the community of Riverside, California. Riverside has been blessed by dynamic and dedicated leaders, like Eric, who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Eric Botkin began his career with the City of Riverside Fire Department on May 1, 1998. He held the position of firefighter paramedic until his retirement. During his career he performed as a fire investigator from February 18, 2000 through July 5, 2002. He completed Engine Certification on November 2, 2007. His last assignment was Fire Station 13 on Canyon Springs Blvd. Prior to working for the City of Riverside Fire Department Eric was a paid/call firefighter with the Orange County Fire Authority. He also worked for Lifefleet Ambulance and Medtrans Ambulance before pursuing his fire department career. Eric passed away at his Temecula home on December 27th surrounded by family and friends, including his wife, Hallie, and son, Hunter, 10, after battling glioblastoma multiforme, a form of brain cancer. Eric Botkin was diagnosed in October of 2007 and retired from the fire department on October 30, 2008. For the past two years Eric remained upbeat and was an inspiration to all. On behalf of all those who knew him, it is my honor to offer these remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of Riverside Firefighter Eric Botkin. His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences to his dear family and friends.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a school in my congressional district, St. Margaret's Episcopal School, that not only excels in academics but is also distinguished on the football field. The St. Margaret's football team won the 2009 California Interscholastic Federation, CIF, Small Schools State Championship for the fourth consecutive year. In the championship game, St. Margaret's defeated Ontario Christian 12 to 6. The football team is an outstanding example of hard work, determination and perseverance. After 4 straight years of being on top, they have certainly earned the title ``Champions.'' The members of the winning football team include: Matt Duenes, Houston Agan, James Murayama, Mike Schmall, Andrew Torok, Fernando Almejo, Brennan Smith, Joey Sego, Jon Gencarella, Chris Adams, Chris Bauer, Chase McClure, Scott McGowan, Davis Edwards, Mark Olivier, John Carpenter, Adam Miyawaki, Nolan Lynch, Byran Flores, Leo Garcia, Chase Steuber, Jake Dappen, Jeff Askin, Brett Nicholas, Freddy Valencia, Will Findiesen, Matt Kloss, Connor McClure, Max Carpenter, and AJ Rovsek. The team is led by Head Coach Harry Welch; Assistants Rod Baltau, Sean Coen, Hiram Johnson, Jay Noonan, Brent Ward, and Butch Ward. It is an honor to represent such a fine group of young people with a strong dedication to teamwork and academics. I know each one of them will treasure the memories of their fourth championship season, and I commend them, and the entire St. Margaret's community, for this truly great achievement.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual from my Congressional District whose dedication to defending the people of this country and preserving the basic freedoms and liberties that we hold so dear earned him the highest military award our country has to offer. Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Lewis Millett passed away on November 14, 2009. He was a true American hero and today I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to honor and remember him and his 31 years of service. Colonel Millett was born in Mechanic Falls, ME, on December 15, 1920. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940 and served as an air gunner, then joined the Canadian Army when it appeared the United States would not enter World War II. Millett returned to the U.S. Army in 1942 upon the United States' entrance into World War II and served in the 1st Armored Division. After making sergeant, he was awarded a battlefield commission. According to his Medal of Honor Citation, then-Captain Millett distinguished himself ``above and beyond the call of duty in action'' in Korea, after he and his men came under heavy enemy fire on February 7, 1951. Captain Millett ordered and led a bayonet counterattack up the hill, killing enemy soldiers in hand-to-hand assault during which he was wounded by a grenade blast. Despite the adverse conditions Captain Millett's company had taken the hill by early afternoon. Captain Millett was presented the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman in July 1951. He retired as a colonel in 1973 after a 31-year career in which he served in World War II, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam conflict. Other notable military decorations awarded to Colonel Millett include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, three Bronze Stars, four Purple Hearts and three Air Medals. Colonel Millett's dedication to his country is a testament to a life of service and a legacy that lives on through his sacrifices. Today let us pledge to always remember Colonel Lewis Millett--the goodness he brought to our world and the sacrifices he made will never be forgotten.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, Norco, California 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. I rise today to recognize and honor one of those individuals: outgoing Norco City Council Member, and former Mayor, Frank Hall. Frank started his public service career in 1993 as a member of the Streets and Trails Commission in Norco, California. With that experience he was elected as a Norco City Councilmember in 1997. As member of the Norco City Council, Frank also served as Mayor in 2008, 2004 and 2000. In 2000, Frank received the Norco Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year Award. Over his accomplished career, Frank served on a number of special committees which addressed a wide range of issues. He worked on transportation issues as a member of the Riverside County Transportation Commission, Riverside Transit Authority Board of Directors and the Transportation Uniform Mitigation Fee Northwest Zone Committee. He promoted education and learning in the community as a member of the Riverside Community College, Norco Friends of the Library, Norco Historical Society and the Corona/Norco Family YMCA. He also was successful in rallying support for NSWC, Corona and joined a regional effort to keep the base from being realigned to Port Hueneme during the last round of Base Realignment and Closure. Frank Hall will leave the Norco City Council with many accomplishments; his legacy will serve as a shining example and constant reminder of what it means to be a public servant. I am proud to call Frank a fellow community member, American and friend. It has been an honor to work with him for the betterment of our community and I salute his service to the City of Norco.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in objection to the Pelosi Health Care Bill which creates over $1 trillion in new government spending. It is funded with the ``Hope'' that our children will figure out how to pay the bill tomorrow and with a ``Change'' in the Medicare program that cuts $500 billion from the over 45 million beneficiaries currently covered. Provisions within the Pelosi Health Reform Bill will raise premiums and lower access to care for America's seniors. Although Democrats try to present these changes to Medicare as improvements and savings, the White House's own actuaries have stated that these changes will increase Medicare spending at a greater rate than if we had done nothing at all. With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reporting earlier this year that the Medicare trust fund will be exhausted by 2017, I do not believe this Congress should take any action that hastens the jeopardy already faced by America's seniors. The Pelosi Health Care Bill cuts $170 billion from the Medicare Advantage Program, which covers almost 50 percent of the Medicare beneficiaries in the 44th Congressional District of California--36,124 senior citizens who rely on this highly successful program for their health care needs. The cuts undermine a program that currently gives seniors the choice to enroll in a private option and that provides the same benefits as traditional Medicare, prescription drug and other additional health benefits, usually with lower copayments. The proposed changes also will result in reduced benefits for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries or result in higher premiums and copayments for fixed income seniors. But let me be clear--not for an improvement in service, but for the same or reduced level of service. For the workforce paying into the Medicare program, higher taxes are ahead. In addition to the increased tax burden working Americans will face to keep Medicare afloat, this bill levies a 2.5 percent tax on the incomes of hardworking working Americans who cannot afford insurance. This breaks a fundamental promise of President Obama's campaign that he would not raise taxes on the middle class. And even as the national unemployment climbs above 10 percent nationwide--over 20 percent in some parts of my district--Speaker Pelosi seeks to place an 8 percent tax on small businesses who cannot afford to provide government mandated ``acceptable insurance'' to their employees. In this economic climate, Congress should be working to enact real reform across the United States that creates jobs and stimulates the economy, not enacting a government expansion and tax regime that will put the jobs of at least 5.5 million largely low wage earners, minorities and young people at risk. Finally, while Americans struggle to pay their bills and put food on the table, Speaker Pelosi wants even more of their tax dollars to be spent to provide federal health benefits to the 12 million illegal immigrants currently in the United States. As I understand the bill before us today, a person would only need to ``declare'' that they are a citizen, provide a name and Social Security number and they would be eligible to receive health insurance benefits. There is no requirement for the verification of identification documentation. It is absolutely unacceptable that this bill would not, at a minimum, require even one verified identification document in order to receive taxpayer funded health care benefits. The bill should include clear processes and require documentation to confirm that an individual applying for health care benefits is a citizen or legal resident of the United States like the E-Verify program I created in 1996 for employers to verify the legal status of new employees. The crafting of the bill before us today spent American liberties to purchase House Democrat votes in order to secure a political victory. The resulting legislation has put freedom and American ingenuity under the knife. For the sake of American jobs, American families and future generations, we must kill this bill and resume our work to create jobs, rein in government spending, increase healthcare freedom and choice and getting the U.S. government's financial house back in order. However, I look forward to voting in favor of the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, which maintains the current federal government policy of preventing federal funding for abortion and for benefits packages that include abortion. This amendment ensures that federal taxpayers will not be coerced into funding elective abortions and is supported by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Democrats for Life, National Right to Life, Americans United for Life, Family Research Council, Concerned Women for America and many other pro-life groups. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure taxpayer funds are not used to fund abortions and to provide the broadest possible conscience protections for physicians, health professionals, hospitals, insurers, and all those in the business of caring for the health of Americans.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Democrat leadership introduced their ever-evolving health care bill, a patchwork of deals cut to garner enough votes to secure a political victory. In this bill, the trial lawyers win big. My home State of California has enacted commonsense trial practice reforms that have lowered medical liability costs for our residents. Since the enactment of reforms, malpractice rates in California have grown at one-third the rate of States without malpractice reforms, a savings which is passed on to patients. However, this bill would force States to repeal effective liability reforms in favor of unlimited payoffs for trial lawyers or States will lose out on Federal funds for their health care systems. Health care reform must not reward frivolous lawsuits that drive up the cost of health care to the detriment of doctors, health care professionals and, most importantly, patients. Let's prove that Congress is more serious about the health of the American people than it is about the financial health of trial lawyers.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Dicks and Ranking Member Simpson for their courtesy and openness in the process of putting together this legislation. However, I reluctantly rise today in opposition to the fiscal year 2010 Interior appropriations conference report. While Americans are cutting their budgets, the Democratic leadership continues the spending frenzy with an increase of $4.7 billion--that's 17 percent, as was mentioned earlier--over the 2009 levels for the Interior appropriations bill. This increased spending is on top of the $11 billion included in Interior programs in the stimulus package. That's an increase of $15.7 billion in 1 year. This bill does fund certain vital initiatives, such as hazardous fuels reduction, the so-called FLAME Act which was mentioned, in areas that face the highest risk of catastrophic wildfire. Funds to ensure that firefighters have the resources they need to battle fires and diesel emission reduction grants to improve air quality are also included. Unfortunately, the bill simply spends too much money with too little in return. For example, it includes $750,000 for yet another study to look at the science behind the federally imposed pumping restrictions in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in California. While I certainly have no objections to yet another study, I do believe that it may very well take a number of months to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to merely confirm what I think we already know: that after 4 years of water restrictions in the delta, the delta smelt remains close to extinction, all while farmers and families continue to suffer. The Democratic leadership in this Congress continues to sit on its hands while the flaws and shortcuts of the Endangered Species Act have tied the hands of judges and water resource planners, creating a man- made drought that is killing jobs in California. Rather than addressing an issue that is creating 40 percent unemployment in some parts of the Central Valley, the majority has ignored yet another opportunity to resolve the problem and, instead, is focused on yet another job killer: cap-and-trade climate change language. The bill includes $385 million for climate change initiatives, and earlier this week, Energy Secretary Chu suggested at a Senate hearing that the U.S. is falling behind countries like China in developing green energy because Congress has failed to pass the cap-and-trade legislation. The last time I checked, China has not implemented a cap- and-trade, nor has any intention to enter into a regulatory regime on cap-and-trade, so I was a bit surprised to hear the Secretary point to them as the gold standard. I believe the statements from the Secretary, like the bill before us, reflect a key policy difference. While my friends on the other side of the aisle prefer to achieve results by expanding government, increasing spending, regulating everything, I believe we can achieve results by implementing policies that give hardworking Americans the freedom and basic tools that will enable them to unleash their ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, San Clemente, California 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. I rise today to recognize and honor one of those individuals: Mr. Ralph Klaasen. On Friday, October 16, 2009, Ralph passed away. He will be deeply missed. Ralph, a San Clemente resident since 1946, was a strong advocate for the south Orange County senior community for decades, serving as president of South County Senior Services and helping raise funds to build two San Clemente senior centers. Ralph Klaasen, along with Rex Tyner, co-chaired a successful campaign to build the current senior center at 242 Avenida Del Mar in 1982 and then another campaign to build its larger successor, the Dorothy Visser Senior Center, now under construction at 121 Avenida Victoria. Ralph also helped rally support to build Casa de Seniors, an affordable senior-housing complex. Through his work with South County Senior Services, he helped establish and administer other senior centers and programs from Dana Point to Laguna Hills. Born in San Diego and raised in Whittier, Ralph attended Whittier College before enlisting in the Navy during World War II. He served in the Pacific Theater from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. ``There were 13 major battles and I was in 12 of them,'' he once recalled. ``It was a long ordeal.'' When the war ended in 1945, Ralph Klaasen returned to his parents' house in Dana Point. He went to work in San Clemente and worked for the city for a short period in the 1940's but spent most of his career working in banking for Bank of America, Laguna Federal Savings and Great American while raising a family in town. As Laguna Federal's longtime branch manager, Ralph was involved in community events and local charities. In 1975, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce saluted him as the city's Citizen of the Year. He retired in 1985 but continued to contribute to his community. In 2001, the city honored him on San Clemente's Wall of Recognition. Ralph's dedication to his community is a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Ralph's family and friends; although Ralph may be gone, the light and goodness he brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Reverend Canon Ernest D. Sillers, the founder of St. Margaret's Episcopal School and two other Episcopal schools in Orange County. Orange County, California has been blessed by dynamic and dedicated leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Reverend Sillers dedicated his life and purpose to both God and education; he will be dearly missed. Ernest Sillers was born October 2, 1910, in River John, Nova Scotia. When he was 18 years old, he answered his personal calling and decided to attend Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. It was there he met the love of his life, Aldine, and they were married. Rev. Sillers graduated with a degree in theology and entered the ministry at First Baptist Church in Seabrook, New Hampshire. He studied for a master's degree and attended the Episcopal Seminary at Cambridge Seminary as a part-time student. His efforts led him to become an ordained Episcopal Priest. After serving in New England, Rev. Sillers moved to Pico Rivera where he was Vicar of the mission parish of St. Bartholomew. Because of his long time interest in education, Rev. Sillers obtained a teaching credential. In 1960, Rev. Sillers was called to be Rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Downey, California. There, he was inspired to start his first school. Fifteen years later, Ernest Sillers and Aldine were retired and living in Laguna Beach. The Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles had heard that people in the growing community of San Juan Capistrano would be served by an Episcopal church. He asked Rev. Sillers if he would be a temporary priest-in-chart to start the church and Sillers accepted. In October 1979, St. Margaret's Episcopal School was founded with 79 students and was located in temporary structures. The following year, the student population doubled and by 1986, a 12th grade class had graduated. Aldine, served as the school's founding librarian. After the successful founding and growth of St. Margaret's, Rev. Sillers was ready for a new challenge. He went on to found St. John's Episcopal Church and School in Rancho Santa Margarita and, a few years later, St. Mary and All Angels Episcopal School in Aliso Viejo. On October 15, 2009, Reverend Canon Ernest D. Sillers passed away. On behalf of all those who knew him, it is my honor to offer these remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of Reverend Sillers. His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences to his dear family and friends. His legacy of service and his vision of education live on.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a group of individuals--heroes--who are receiving the recognition and honor they deserve for their service to our country. Operation Recognition is operated by the Riverside County Office of Education with assistance from the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services. The program awards high school diplomas to veterans who missed completing high school due to military service in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or due to internment in WWII Japanese-American relocation camps. A recognition ceremony will be held on November 11, 2009, for the following individuals who received their high school diplomas through Operation Recognition: Robert Wayne Archer, Vincent O. Arellano, Linzy Ray Banks, Frank L. Bernich, Charles E. Billups, Floyd J. Birch, Camillo Razo Calderon, Arthur A. Carvalho, Leon Chagolla, James Franklin Colvin, Harry W. Cutting, Raymond Ortiz Guerrero, Eugene B. Guilbert, Sr., Richard Louis Haller, Charles R. Hazen, Jr., Randall N. Klauk, Rodney Scott Lloyd, Robert Magan, Salvador Soria Murillo, Ronald Edward Pearson, Harry Peterson, Hubert Pierce, Si Porter, Edward A. Sandoval, Harold E. Six, Sr., Garey Dale Smith, Jerry E. Tidwell, Roger Jay Williams, and Eldon Ray Wilson. Our country owes a debt of gratitude to all the above recipients for their service and sacrifice. I salute all the above individuals and congratulate them on receiving their high school diploma.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, there's been a lot of talk from my friends on the other side of the aisle about the so-called improvement in the United States economy. Unfortunately, all the talk comes without the data to back it up. Nine months ago, Congress had an opportunity to provide a real shot in the arm to our economy, and yet Americans continue to lose their jobs. While the Democratic leadership continues to push for radical and expensive changes to the American economy, such as a government-run health care system, cap-and-trade legislation, the question that should be asked every day on Capitol Hill is, simply, Where are the jobs? When the leadership spent $800 billion of Americans' hard-earned tax dollars with lightning speed with no review in February on the so- called ``stimulus bill,'' the White House promised that unemployment would not exceed 8 percent. We are now at 9.8 percent nationally, 12 percent in California, and 15 percent in parts of my congressional district. Congress certainly does not have all the answers--it rarely does--but what Congress can do is straightforward: Reduce the Federal tax burden on families and business, reduce spending, and target spending where we have real infrastructure projects.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 813, final passage of the Fiscal Year 2010 U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 812 the amendment offered by Representative Kratovil from Maryland, which requires the USCG to conduct a study on the facility infrastructure requirements needed to fulfill the Coast Guard's missions and capabilities and report the findings within 180 days. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, under normal circumstances, the legislation before us would be approved without much attention or controversy. The bill simply authorizes water recycling projects, which I strongly support. However, we are not living under normal circumstances. We are living in the midst of a crisis. The ongoing water crisis in California has created an economic downturn up and down the State. Statewide, the unemployment rate has risen to more than 12 percent. In the Central Valley, regional unemployment has reached 20 percent, with some communities' unemployment now over 40 percent. California's water crisis is the result of water conditions, on top of the federally imposed pumping restrictions that have been placed on our State's critical water infrastructure. While the water pumping restrictions are undeniably hurting California's water economy, there is no clear evidence that endangered species are actually benefiting from the measures intended to protect them. The fact remains that the flaws and shortcomings of the Endangered Species Act have tied the hands of judges and water resource planners, creating a man-made drought that is killing jobs in California. So what is the majority of the House doing to address the clear and obvious deficiencies in the Endangered Species Act? The answer is absolutely nothing. The reality is that the leadership of the House is too afraid to allow an open and free debate on these policies because they know if reasonable people are given a chance, they would overwhelmingly reject failed policies aimed to protect fish and support efforts to give water to people who are struggling just to survive. There are a number of bills sponsored by Members in the minority that would restore some common sense to our water and environmental policies. Perhaps if the Democratic leadership would allow these bills to come to the floor, legislation like this would be approved without much attention or much controversy.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Price and Ranking Member Rogers, and their staff, for crafting a very thoughtful Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. I especially appreciate the recognition of the Air and Marine Operations Center, also known as AMOC, which is located in my congressional district. AMOC has become the foremost aviation-oriented law enforcement operations and coordination center in the U.S. It plays an integral role in protecting us from attack and from human, drug and gun smuggling across our borders. However, I was disappointed that the extension of E-Verify was reduced from the Senate language which would have provided for a permanent reauthorization of E-Verify. The House overwhelmingly passed a 5-year reauthorization last year and I think the American people would support a permanent reauthorization of E-Verify. I would also like to commend Ranking Member Rogers for his work on language pertaining to the closing of Guantanamo Bay. While the bill prohibits the release of detainees into the U.S., the report does not go far enough to prevent prisoners from being transferred to or detained on U.S. soil. I maintain that the President must provide a disposition plan which includes a risk assessment for each of the detainees and the danger they pose to the American people as well as to the national security of the United States. The requirement to have the administration report to Congress on these matters is similar to that of my bill, H.R. 1069, which I introduced on February 13 in response to the administration's January announcement that it would close the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay. In closing, I would like to reiterate my support for the conference report but with strong reservations about the majority's actions that has severely restricted amendments and has shut down a once open appropriations process.

Mr. CALVERT. I want to thank the gentleman from Kentucky for his hard work and the diligence that went forth in putting this bill together. However, Madam Speaker, today I cannot vote for this bill unless the motion to recommit passes because of my concern about what is going to happen with these prisoners at Guantanamo. So I would suggest to all the Members this is a very serious concern to our country. It's a very serious concern to this fight on terrorism throughout the world. And I believe that we should show our unity and vote for the motion to recommit. And if that motion to recommit passes, then I will be happy to vote for this bill, which I think for the most part is a good bill with that exception.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, the Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act is a good bill that extends the availability of the homebuyer tax credit to our servicemembers serving our country overseas. The homebuyer tax credit has proven to be an effective measure in stimulating our housing market, and I'm hopeful more of our servicemembers will be able to use it now that it is being extended. In fact, I know that many members, including myself, support extending the homebuyer tax credit for everyone. I have a bill, the Homebuyer Tax Credit Act, H.R. 1245, that would extend and expand the tax credit. My bill has almost fifty cosponsors and I aware of other bills that have been introduced to extend the homebuyer tax credit. am hopeful that in addition to passing this bill today, the House leadership and the Ways and Means Committee will act on a broader extension of the homebuyer tax credit in the near future.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, the conference report that we are considering today addresses a number of issues affecting the energy and water infrastructure of our country. However, when it comes to the ongoing water crisis in California, the conference report comes up short. The ongoing water crisis in California has exacerbated the economic downturn up and down my State. Statewide, the unemployment rate has risen to more than 12 percent. In the Central Valley, regional unemployment has now reached 20 percent, with some communities' unemployment now over 40 percent. California's water crisis is the result of severe drought conditions on top of the federally imposed pumping restrictions that have been placed on our State's critical water infrastructure. While the conference report does provide some funding for a number of California's mid- and long-term water resource management projects, many of the projects are years away from completion and will not provide any assistance to Californians that are suffering today. Many of the most affected communities have made it clear they are not looking for a handout. They want their water and their jobs back. During the markup of this bill in the Appropriations Committee, I offered an amendment to do exactly that, by ending the federally imposed pumping restrictions. Sadly, most of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle rejected my amendment and voted to protect a 3-inch fish instead of protecting jobs and the people of California. Similar efforts by my colleague, Mr. Nunes, have been rebuffed by the Democratic majority. The fact remains that the flaws and shortcomings of the Endangered Species Act have tied the hands of judges and water resource planners, creating a manmade drought that is killing jobs, destroying livelihoods and hurting families in California. I realize this issue should be addressed by the authorizing committee, but if the Democratic leadership will not force the committee of jurisdiction to act, the members of the minority have no other option. If this Congress and this administration fail to take the bold steps necessary to address this crisis in the near future, the people of California will know exactly who is responsible for their mounting job losses and economic suffering.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month. The observation of September as National Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 with the designation of Hispanic Heritage Week. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. Now, every year from September 15 to October 15, we proudly celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestry includes Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The founding of the United States of America was predicated on the idea that all men are created equal and that America would be a place where anyone could achieve and succeed. That success should know no boundaries. This year's theme for National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the role Hispanic Americans have played in making that dream a reality. Their strength and hard work, anchored by a deep love for family and country, has helped shape our society for the better. I commend the proud history of all Hispanic Americans and ask that all Americans honor National Hispanic Heritage Month. The richness of Hispanic culture and the contributions of Hispanic Americans have made our country a better nation.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Ontario, California were exceptional. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember an incredible man and American patriot, Paul Ballou Hofer, Jr. Paul was a dear friend of mine and I was deeply saddened by his passing on July 8, 2009. Paul was born to Paul Ballou Hofer and Frances Morgan Hofer on January 23, 1921 at the family ranch in Ontario, California. He attended Mountain View Elementary School, Chaffey High School and the University of Southern California. A natural athlete, at Chaffey he played varsity basketball for four years and was a halfback on the football team, receiving dual scholarships to USC for both sports. During World War II Paul served in the U.S. Navy, commissioned as a Naval Aviator, with several thousand hours of flight time. In 1944 Paul married his high school sweetheart, Laura Jean Belcher, who preceded him in death. They had three sons, Paul III, John and Brett who grew up in the same house in which their father was born. Along with his brothers Morgan, also deceased, and Phillip, Paul was a fourth generation vineyard farmer at Hofer Ranch which was founded by his family in 1882. Paul always believed that the lessons learned from lifetimes of farming, hard work and determination, coupled with the deeply held and abiding belief that land is what endures, have been the anchor that has guided the family through seven generations on the ranch. In addition to ranching, Paul was a man of many interests. He had a great love of the outdoors, with a passion for fly fishing and wing shooting. Paul was a member of the Masons, and also of the Republican Party. He collected antique farm and winery equipment, proudly adding to the collection at Hofer Ranch. In addition to his three sons, Paul is survived by his brother, Phillip, and his family; his grandchildren, Jason Hofer (Christina), Jacklyn Hofer Winton (Jeremy), Morgan Hofer and Laura Hofer; his great-granddaughter, Elizabeth; and other family members. Paul's passion for his ranch, his family, and his community has contributed immensely to the betterment of Ontario, California. I was proud to call Paul a fellow community member, American and good friend. I hope his family knows that their father, brother, and grandfather, and the goodness he brought to this world, will always be remembered.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Alan Wakefield, a close personal friend and valued member of my home town. Corona, California has been blessed by dynamic and dedicated leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Alan was five years old and attending kindergarten in Titusville, a small town in western Pennsylvania, when he first met a pretty young girl named Susan. For 58 years, Alan and Susan were best friends. For almost 39 years, they were husband and wife. Over the years, they have enjoyed a multitude of blessings, most importantly their son, Josh, and his wife, Jill, who have blessed Alan and Susan with two beautiful grandchildren. While Alan died long before we would have wished, Alan had some precious time to spend with his grandchildren. During those last months, Matthew and Garret witnessed the character of their ``Poppy'' that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. They learned that Alan was a man who loved to laugh but was not afraid to cry; that he would stand strong to defend the values that were important to him, but would melt in the face of another's sadness. The size of his heart belied his stature, and his generosity touched so many lives. Since 1982, the Wakefields have owned ASJ Industrial Hose, whose name is an acronym for Alan, Susan and Josh. Alan would often say, ``Hose is my life.'' It was not, of course. His family was his life, along with the many friendships he formed over the years. He was also passionate about golf, was a gourmet cook, and an avid gardener who referred to plants by their Latin names. While Susan has been active in just about every organization in Corona with three or more members, Alan for the most part remained in the background; he was not ``a joiner.'' But a few years ago, he relented and joined the Corona Rotary Club, and was one of its most popular and active members. Near the end of his life, visitors would find Alan to be more interested in what they were doing than talking about his health. When friends would mention they were considering a trip or a home improvement project, Alan would say, ``Do it. Do it now.'' He was speaking from a perspective that the rest of us could only imagine, and some of us sensed that he was suggesting something more than that. Don't put off those trips and projects, but more than that, don't put off telling someone you care, righting a wrong and keep focused on your life's priorities. On behalf of all those who knew him, it is my honor to offer these remarks as a tribute to the life and legacy of my friend Alan Wakefield. His life and presence will be sorely missed and I extend my condolences to his dear family and friends.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, Lance Corporal Donald James Hogan, United States Marine Corps. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country. Lance Corporal Hogan graduated from Tesoro High School in 2007 and fulfilled his dream to follow in his grandfather's footsteps by joining the U.S. Marine Corps. His grandfather reached the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and Lance Corporal Hogan wanted to match his grandfather's success through a career in the Marine Corps. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton. Hogan is remembered by friends as supportive, loyal and unselfish. He was a cross country runner in high school and his teammates recall his encouraging spirit that got them across the finish line. On Wednesday, August 26, 2009, Lance Corporal Hogan was killed while on a foot patrol in southern Afghanistan when a roadside bomb went off nearby in a blast that also injured several other Marines. He was 20 years old. Lance Corporal Hogan is survived by his father Jim, mother Carla, and sister Adrianna. As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Lance Corporal Hogan, who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day the Hogan family learned of their son and brother's death was probably the hardest day they have ever faced and my thoughts, prayers and deepest gratitude for Lance Corporal Hogan's sacrifice goes out to them. There are no words that can relieve their pain and what words I can offer only begin to convey my deep respect and highest appreciation. Lance Corporal Hogan's family have all given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one and I hope they know that their son and brother, the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made, will never be forgotten.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Ontario, California were exceptional. Today I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember an incredible man and American patriot, Paul Ballou Hofer, Jr. Paul was a dear friend of mine and I was deeply saddened by his passing on July 8, 2009. Paul was born to Paul Ballou Hofer and Frances Morgan Hofer on January 23, 1921 at the family ranch in Ontario, California. He attended Mountain View Elementary School, Chaffey High School and the University of Southern California. A natural athlete, at Chaffey he played varsity basketball for four years and was a halfback on the football team, receiving dual scholarships to USC for both sports. During World War II Paul served in the U.S. Navy, commissioned as a Naval Aviator, with several thousand hours of flight time. In 1944 Paul married his high school sweetheart, Laura Jean Belcher, who preceded him in death. They had three sons, Paul III, John and Brett who grew up in the same house in which their father was born. Along with his brothers Morgan, also deceased, and Phillip, Paul was a fourth generation vineyard farmer at Hofer Ranch which was founded by his family in 1882. Paul always believed that the lessons learned from lifetimes of farming, hard work and determination, coupled with the deeply held and abiding belief that land is what endures, have been the anchor that has guided the family through seven generations on the ranch. In addition to ranching, Paul was a man of many interests. He had a great love of the outdoors, with a passion for fly fishing and wing shooting. Paul was a member of the Masons, and also of the Republican Party. He collected antique farm and winery equipment, proudly adding to the collection at Hofer Ranch. In addition to his three sons, Paul is survived by his brother, Phillip, and his family; his grandchildren, Jason Hofer (Christina), Jacklyn Hofer Winton (Jeremy), Morgan Hofer and Laura Hofer; his great-granddaughter, Elizabeth; and other family members. Paul's passion for his ranch, his family, and his community has contributed immensely to the betterment of the Ontario, California. I was proud to call Paul a fellow community member, American and good friend. I hope his family knows that their father, brother, and grandfather, and the goodness he brought to this world, will always be remembered.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of the House-passed version of H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert Bill Number: H.R. 3326 Account: Navy Research and Development--0604215N Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Navy; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division Address of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, Corona, CA 92878-5000 Description of Request: I have secured $5,800,000 for the Measurement Standards Research and Development Program. The program includes testing for electro-optic and night vision systems; chem/bio and radiation detection systems; advanced sensor technologies; nano- technology. It also provides for improved and state of the art measurement calibration systems that ensure an accurate traceability of measurement from the weapon system parameter to National Standards maintained at NIST. Without adequate measurement capability, verification of performance for weapon and detection system readiness is not possible. This project results in the development of the measurement standards and calibration systems necessary to provide traceable measurements. These state-of-the-art measurement standards often reside at NIST and thus provide benefit to other federal agencies and industry as well. This project allows the Navy to make correct test decisions that ensure mission success and safety while reducing the cost of unnecessary rework. Substantial cost savings have resulted from past R&D project funding through this program. Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert Bill Number: H.R 3326 Account: Microelectonic Technology Development and Support--0603720S Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, University of Riverside, California Address of Requesting Entity: 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521 Description of Request: I have secured $6,000,000 for the Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering. The funds will be used for the 3-D Electronics program which aims to take advantage of recent advances in nanomaterials and nanodevices to begin to address the issue necessary to take the electronics industry beyond the two-dimensional silicon based devices and wiring and to develop high density, 3D-electronics technology together with associated packaging, heat dissipation solutions and the investigation of alternative electronic materials. Conventional electronics is based on 2D planar processes, but this is becoming prohibitively expensive as well as a barrier to performance. By stacking devices and interconnecting them in a 3D arrangement, a huge leap in functionality density is possible. 3D integration is a cornerstone of the coming revolution in electronics. Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert Bill Number: H.R 3326 Account: Navy Research and Development--0603739N Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Navy; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division Address of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, Corona, CA 92878-5000 Description of Request: I have secured $1,800,000 for the NSWC Corona IUID Center which provides technical support, implementation assistance, training, and lessons learned for IUID, a DoD mandate, to various DoD programs and offices. The IUID Center leverages complementary efforts and catalogs, distributes lessons learned, and helps streamline implementation efforts, reducing IUID implementation cost. IUID itself will enable lifecycle traceability and improve data integrity, leading to more informed decisions and improved asset management. Substantial cost savings result from IUID implementation in DoD programs as well as major gains in asset management and tracking of critical DoD material. Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert Bill Number: H.R 3326 Account: Operation & Maintenance; 1C8C Depot Operations Support Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Navy; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division Address of Requesting Entity: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, Corona, CA 92878-5000 Description of Request: I have secured $2,400,000 for the NSWC, Corona Fleet Readiness Data Assessment project which will update/ replace existing tools to enable the accurate, efficient collection and transmission of data to quickly perform detailed readiness analyses. It will take advantage of the improved automation and data collection capability provided by the METBENCH calibration system. The analyses resulting from this project will quickly put accurate readiness information into the hands of Navy decision-makers and accelerate the savings resulting from METBENCH implementation in the Navy. Requesting Member: Congressman Ken Calvert Bill Number: H.R 3326 Account: Operation and Maintenance, Navy--03 Training and Recruiting 3A2J Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Address of Requesting Entity: U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps; 2300 Wilson Blvd, North, Arlington, VA 22201-3308 Description of Request: I have secured $651,000 for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Program. The Sea Cadet Program is focused upon development of youth ages 11-17, serving almost 9,000 Sea Cadets and adult volunteers in 387 units country-wide. It promotes interest and skill in seamanship and aviation and instills qualities that mold strong moral character in an anti-drug and anti-gang environment. Summer training onboard Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore stations is a challenging training ground for developing self-confidence and self-discipline, promotion of high standards of conduct and performance and a sense of teamwork. Funds will be utilized to ``buy down'' the out-of-pocket expenses for training to $120/week. NSCC instills in every Cadet a sense of patriotism, courage and the foundation of personal honor. A significant percent of Cadets join the Armed Services often receiving accelerated advancement, or obtain commissions. The program has significance in assisting to promote the Navy and Coast Guard, particularly in those areas of the U.S where these Services have little presence.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I am certainly proud to support H.R. 3326, the 2010 Defense Appropriations bill. I represent four military installations, thousands of military personnel and their families, and I am pleased that this bill includes the $8.2 billion increase for military personnel accounts from last year. It also includes a 3.4 percent pay raise, which I wholeheartedly support and certainly believe that our troops deserve. The bill also includes funding for three C-17s, which are vital to our airlift capability. While I am pleased with the additional procurement, I believe that Congress must continue to fund this additional aircraft that is necessary for additional airlift capability. The C-17 aircraft plays a central role both in the ongoing global war on terror and in the humanitarian relief missions around the world. The three C-17s will be a welcomed addition to the fleet, which includes 8 C-17s attached to March Air Reserve Base's 452nd Air Mobility Wing, which is in my district in California. These will accelerate efforts to ensure that America's airlift needs are met in upcoming years. I also support the removal of $100 million, requested by the administration, which would have been used to move detainees out of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. I commend the language in the bill, which was truly the result of a bipartisan effort. It prevents a single detainee from being released or transferred until the administration produces an acceptable plan--one that includes an assessment of the risks to the American people and that requires that our citizens be informed of any transfers so they will be ensured of their safety. It also requires a certification that any release or transfer of prisoners will not place our troops in harm's way or will hinder their efforts abroad. The language is similar to my bill, H.R. 1069, which I introduced in February of this year. I am hopeful we can work this out in a planned process. Again, I commend the subcommittee and the full committee chairmen and ranking members for a bipartisan bill that meets the needs of our troops and that provides funding for vital missions around the world.