Jim Costa

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Frank M. Toste Sr., a respected dairyman and community leader, who passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2012. His dedication to family and farming made him a true source of pride for California's San Joaquin Valley and our nation. A proud product of California's agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, Frank was born in Riverdale, California on January 26, 1921 to Mary Carreiro and Joseph Toste, who were Portuguese immigrants from the Azore Islands. He attended Valley schools and developed a love and appreciation for the San Joaquin Valley. Mary and Joseph instilled a sense of responsibility and dependability in Frank early in his life. As a young boy Frank worked on his family's small dairy in Kerman, California, where he learned the value of hard work. Years later, those same values would encourage Frank to serve his nation in the United States Army during World War II. He served in Northern Africa, Italy, France, and Germany. During his service he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon returning home, Frank met and married the love of his life, Iva Jean Heitz. Together, they started their own business, the Hillview Dairy Farm near Easton, California. His passion and enthusiasm for farming, combined with his skills and work ethic, made him a very successful farmer and dairyman. Frank loved what he did and passed on the gift of farming to younger generations in his family. Frank's contributions to his community went beyond his exceptional farming abilities. He was active in many organizations including the Knights of Columbus, the Cabrillo Civic Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Farm Bureau, and the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. His participation and admirable service to his community made him a valuable leader and respected voice on important Valley issues. He will be sorely missed. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Iva; his sons, Frank Toste Jr., Ron Toste, and Scott Toste; his grandsons, Frank Toste III, Jason Toste, Jacob Toste; his granddaughters, Marlene Borges, Anneka Anderson, and Roni Aust; five great-grandsons; two great- granddaughters; his brother Willie Toste; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of Mr. Frank M. Toste Sr. His character truly exemplified the best of what America has to offer. His many contributions to agriculture and unwavering commitment to his loved ones will ensure that his legacy lives on for years to come.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, despite our economic challenges, agriculture is one of the bright spots in our economy. Last week, the House Agriculture Committee, in an overwhelming bipartisan fashion, sent a simple message: We need a farm bill now. We have challenges in American agriculture to be sure, such as dairy price fluctuations, the current drought affecting crops nationwide, and creating a level playing field for farmers to compete in foreign markets. This bill isn't perfect, but there's a great deal of consensus in it. Our farmers need certainty, and only a farm bill can give them that. There are 11 days left for the House to vote on a farm bill before the August recess. The American people are tired of Congress bickering just to keep the lights on. This legislation has bipartisan support in the committee and in the United States Senate. Madam Speaker, if the leadership of this House is serious about providing certainty and promoting economic growth, they will bring this legislation to the floor for a vote now. The farm bill has traditionally been a bipartisan effort. Let's keep it that way.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Fresno County Farm Bureau which is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year. Since its establishment in 1917, the organization has continued to evolve. It began as general farm organization as an arm of the Agriculture Extension Service, and is now at the forefront of farming in California. As it nears the end of its first century, it continues to lead the agriculture industry and the community in addressing issues that result in long-term economic viability for agriculture and promoting the economic vitality of the region as we move forward in the 21st Century. The Farm Bureau started shortly after the Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established the Agriculture Extension Service. The Act stipulated that before a county could obtain farm advisor services, it had to form a general farm organization through which the Extension Service could disseminate information and promote better farming methods. In the fall of 1917, George Fever, J.A. Poytress, Sam Heisinger, H.W. Wrightson and Charles Parlier were among a group of farmers that met with Leroy Smith, the first Extension Service farm advisor assigned to Fresno County, to lay the groundwork for a Fresno County Farm Bureau organization. Fresno County Farm Bureau, like many other County Farm Bureau organizations, was originally set up in joint offices within the University of California Agriculture Extension Service. The Farm Bureau membership rose and fell in the pre-World War II days, dropping to 350 during the Depression. The largest growth in membership occurred around the Farm Bureau's 50th anniversary, between 1945 and 1967 when it rose from 1,000 to 4,500 members. Today, the Fresno County Farm Bureau represents more than 4,000 members. In the early 1960s, Fresno County took first place in total production value of agriculture commodities. Fresno County remains the number one agricultural county in the country, bringing in $5.94 billion in 2010. The Farm Bureau has played an integral role in many projects throughout its history, including: presenting President Franklin D. Roosevelt a program to strengthen agriculture during the Great Depression years in 1931; partnering with the Madera, Tulare and Kings County Farm Bureaus to organize the California Farm Bureau Marketing Association in 1918; starting a pilot program to sell tree-ripened fruit to southern California consumers in 1966; and playing a major role in the development and implementation of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986. Today, the Farm Bureau is a grassroots, nationwide network of Farm Bureaus organized on county, state and national levels. The county Farm Bureau is the center of the organization and is one of 53 county Farm Bureaus currently representing a combined membership of over 4,000 family members in Fresno County. Collectively, Farm Bureau is California's largest farm organization with memberships from 76,500 farm families in 56 counties. The Farm Bureau continues to lead the agriculture industry and the community in addressing issues that result in long-term viability for agriculture and promoting the economic vitality of the region. Farm Bureau spends countless hours researching agriculturally-related legislation; testifying in front of local, state and federal government; and conducting meetings with elected officials. In addition, it fields hundreds of calls, providing education and outreach to the community, which has continued to be a centerpiece of the Farm Bureau. Through Coffee Talk meetings, which provide the opportunity for farmers to share information in an informal setting and discuss current, local issues with special guest speakers, the Bureau has continued to make community outreach a top priority. It is also involved in promoting the Blossom Trail, the Fruit Trail and the Big Fresno Fair, and annually recognizes deserving reporters and editors for conveying accurate and objective reporting about agricultural issues and the industry. On top of these important efforts, the Farm Bureau offers valuable agriculture education and leadership development assistance in the community. The annual Farm and Nutrition Day is put on for more than 1,500 third-graders, providing facts about food and fiber production in Fresno County. In addition, representatives from the Farm Bureau are on-hand during the annual Fair Education Program to conduct mini- presentations about agriculture for students. The Fresno County Farm Bureau also works with local universities and conducts classroom presentations. In addition to this, the Future Advocates for Agriculture Concerned about Tomorrow (FAACT) Leadership Development Program provides community leaders with a comprehensive eight-month class, highlighting specific issue areas in agriculture. FAACT offers a balanced, factual presentation of several issue areas specific to agriculture. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fresno County Farm Bureau as it celebrates its 95th anniversary and prepares to continue to provide outstanding leadership for the agriculture industry throughout the Central Valley, the State of California, and our nation.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute ute to the life of Dr. Wendy Wayne who passed away on June 17, 2012 at the age of 64 after fighting a courageous four year battle with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Wendy was a loving wife and mother, a committed activist and respected community leader who touched the lives of many. A proud product of Culver City, California, Wendy was born on February 4, 1948. She attended Hamilton High School in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Los Angeles (UCLA) before joining the Peace Corps and serving in Kenya. She married the love of her life, Gene Tackett, after traveling around the world and then working on Gene's first political campaign for Kern County Supervisor. Wendy quickly became an icon and a source of inspiration within the local community. Wendy and Gene started their family in Bakersfield in 1978 and have worked continuously to improve the quality of life of all families in Kern County, the place they called home. Through her leadership and hard work, Wendy became a role model for her friends and neighbors. Dr. Wendy Wayne exemplified the true meaning of being an advocate. After working at Clinica Sierra Vista and obtaining a nursing degree at California State University (CSUB), she worked as a nurse at Kern Medical Center (KMC). She continued her volunteer activities promoting child safety seats and expanded childcare opportunities for working mothers. Both of her sons were born in the KMC Birthing Center organized by Wendy. In 1986, Wendy started her career with the Kern County Superintendent of School's office as an advocate for expanded preschool education. Working with community leaders she helped create the Community Connection for Childcare and became its first director. She later became the executive director of Kern County's First Five organization, an agency promoting child education during their first five years of age. For more than 36 years, she was a committed and reliable member of the community. Over the years, Wendy continued to fulfill her wanderlust for travel and doing good works with a three month health project in Kenya, Bakersfield Sister City trips, Rotary polio ratification trips to India and Nigeria, working with her niece Ann Reiner in the Sudan and Uganda. Her family vacations included a revisit to her Kenyan village where she had once taught biology. Remarkably, Wendy endured countless hours of travel to receive advanced cancer treatment in Southern California while simultaneously serving as a consultant to San Joaquin Hospital to develop a much needed state of the art cancer center in Bakersfield. Her work demonstrated her dedication to fostering and preserving the health and safety of children throughout the world, and her compassion and concern for our community served as a testament to her extraordinary character. Wendy lived an exemplary life and will undoubtedly be missed by many. The true loves of her life were husband, Gene; sons, Larkin and Benji; daughters-in-law Katie and Amy; and grandchildren Maya, Lola and Ben. A principled and engaged citizen, Wendy Wayne participated in every aspect of community life. She led a generous and energetic life filled with love and adventure. Her long-lasting participation in our community and commitment to the well-being of future generations will ensure that her legacy lives on for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Dr. Wendy Wayne, a beloved wife, mother, leader and true champion for all people.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Dr. Wendy Wayne, who passed away on June 17, 2012, at the age of 64 after fighting a courageous 4-year battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Wendy was a loving wife and mother, a committed activist and respected community leader who touched the lives of many. Wendy led a courageous and energetic life filled with love and adventure. She joined the Peace Corps at an early age and served in Kenya. As a seasoned traveler, Wendy swam the Earth's five oceans. Her work as an educator, a nurse, and a community leader demonstrated her dedication to fostering and preserving and improving the health and safety of children throughout the world. And her compassion and concern for the community also served as a testament to her extraordinary character. Wendy Wayne's unwavering loyalty to Kern County and her commitment to the well-being of future generations will ensure that her legacy will live on. She stands as a role model for her family, her friends, and all that knew and worked with her. And we will all miss her. I will miss my dear friend Wendy Wayne.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, every year, California dairies produce over 17 billion pounds of milk products that provide families with affordable, nutrient-rich products that we consume. California is the Nation's top milk-producing State, and much of the production takes place in the San Joaquin Valley, which I represent a part of. Many of these dairies in my district have been passed down from generation to generation, including the one that I grew up on in Kearney Park, near Fresno, California. Over the last few years, dairy producers have seen milk prices continue to drop and feed prices increase and even skyrocket. In the coming weeks, the Ag Committee is slated to begin consideration of the 2012 farm bill. It is my hope that we can find a way to bring more certainty in prices and prevent extreme market volatility to help our producers across the country stay afloat. As National Dairy Month comes to a close, I would like to commend our dairymen and -women for the work they do every day on the farm, 365 days a year, that allows families nationwide to enjoy the nutritious, cost-effective food that they are putting on our tables.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Since 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has recognized the special power that the arts have had in our Nation's classrooms. Today, I have the pleasure of recognizing my district's Art Competition winner, Sarah Fanucchi, who credits the arts for helping her overcome her learning challenges. From an early age, Sarah struggled with reading and math, but she excelled with a sketchbook and a pencil in hand. Once her teachers at Bakersfield's South High tapped into that talent, Sarah's life changed. She became excited about school, and her grades improved. Sarah's mother, Carrie, said, ``Art was and, I suspect, always will be her refuge. It was her place to begin to shine, her place in school to belong.'' Carrie and Sarah are more than mother and daughter; they are best friends. As I welcome her and her family to Washington this week, I applaud Sarah's artistic feat. More importantly, her perseverance through her challenges is what I find most impressive about this young lady. The art and life she has created is something any parent or teacher can and should be proud of as she continues to add value to our Nation's fabric.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. I thank the gentlewoman. H.R. 1505, as I was indicating, would waive numerous laws that pertain to very important elements of not only the coastal zone, but mining, public health, safety, and public review within 100 miles of the U.S. border. I oppose this measure because it is too sweeping in its efforts. This bill also portends to provide border security problems on land management laws. We have challenges with our border; there is no question about it. I've supported additional funding for the Border Patrol agency. We must protect our borders, but to do so in a land management bill simply makes no sense. We should be taking up comprehensive immigration reform separately from land management bills. That is, I think, the method that we ought to apply.

Mr. COSTA. I rise today to speak in opposition to the rule for H.R. 2578, the Conservation and Economic Growth Act. First, I want to thank the gentlewoman from New York for allowing me some time to speak on what I think are some of the good things in this package. Unfortunately, I don't think this is the appropriate way we ought to be debating some elements of the challenging issues of immigration reform in the House of Representatives. First, these bills should be taken on their individual merits, not as a package. If we consider them together, we should then have an open rule that would allow us to then debate the merits of each individual bill. Some of the bills contained in H.R. 2578 are helpful to my constituents, and I've supported them in the past. As an example, the measure offered by Mr. Denham allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider spillway improvements on the project by the Merced Irrigation District. This would allow an expansion of the capacity of that reservoir. Some 1,800 feet of the Merced River would be impacted; but as a result of it, we would gain perhaps as much as 78,000 acre feet of additional water supply that is much needed in the San Joaquin Valley. That is a good portion of this package. There are also other areas that I support, language within the bill, to provide certainty to the grazing community that I am an original cosponsor for: grazing land, public lands that provide opportunities for America's beef industry that is very essential and very important. However, this bill also contains controversial provisions that would be damaging to my constituents. H.R. 1505 gives the Customs and Border Protection authority to waive numerous laws pertaining to Federal land management.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Mr. Everett ``Bud'' Rank, Jr., lifelong Valley farmer and former Clovis Unified School District Trustee. Mr. Rank left us on the same property along the San Joaquin River in northeast Fresno where he was born in 1921. Mr. Rank spent much of his life working with the Future Farmers of America, where he helped organize the Clovis chapter of the organization. He was then president of that chapter, as well as a member of many other farming organizations, including the Farm Bureau California Young Farmers and Ranchers, Clovis Young Farmers, the Clovis Grange. As a Clovis High School graduate, schools and children were his greatest contribution to the local community, as his wife says. He served three terms as head of the Clovis Unified Board of Trustees in the late 60's and early 70's. To honor his work in education, Bud Rank Elementary School in Clovis was named after him in 2006. Mr. Rank worked two tours of duty within the Agriculture Department, as Western regional director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in the 1970s, and as the head of ASCS and executive vice president of the Commodity Credit Corp. in the 1980s. He also served as a member of both President Nixon and Reagan's administrations' Agricultural Departments, all while being an avid golfer and ardent family man. He is survived by his wife Evelyn, their three daughters, two grandchildren and one great granddaughter. I applaud Mr. Rank for his years of tireless work on behalf of agriculture and education. Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I ask my colleagues to stand with me in honoring Mr. Rank's remarkable life and his work in advancing our education system and agricultural productivity in the Valley. Please join me today in recognizing the commitment, dedication, and success of Mr. Everett ``Bud'' Rank, Jr.'s life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Rutherford ``Bud'' Gaston, who passed away on May 16, 2012 at the age of 91. Bud will be remembered for his groundbreaking work in education, his loyalty to his friends, family, and students, as well as his role as one of Central California's most visionary leaders. Bud was born in Georgia and spent his childhood in Pennsylvania, where he attended elementary school and high school. His commitment to service was evident early in his life. Bud served our Nation proudly in the United States Army during World War II and ended his service as a second lieutenant. Bud and his wife made their way to Fresno in the late 1940s. In 1953, he graduated from California State University, Fresno and began his educational career. His remarkable 33-year educational career was marked with milestones. As Fresno Unified School District's first African-American principal, Bud became an inspiration and source of pride for an entire community. Bud consistently maintained a positive attitude and worked tirelessly to ensure the success of his students. As a teacher, his gentle spirit and big heart put his students at ease and encouraged them to pursue success. In 1963, Bud was named principal of Teilman and Emerson schools. He retired in 1986 after serving as principal at Bethune Elementary School for 14 years. Throughout his impressive career, he served as a mentor to countless students. Bud's service to our community did not end in the classroom; he also served on a number of boards and commissions. He served as President of United Black Men of Fresno for ten years and was active on the boards of the Chaffee Zoo, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno, St. Agnes Medical Center, and the Kiwanis Club of Fresno. His hard work and innovative nature made him a respected member of our community and he served as an example to many. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Rutherford ``Bud'' Gaston, one of Fresno's most distinguished leaders, a trailblazer for education, and a true champion for the people of Central California. His leadership made him a role model and an asset to our community. His caring nature and vibrant spirit will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Today, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4970, the partisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Since 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has been a critical tool for protecting women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, and Congress has twice made necessary bipartisan improvements in the law. As a cochairman of the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, I know that we have learned a great deal from law enforcement and victim advocate groups since we last reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act in 2005. Unfortunately, this bill rolls back comprehensive protections for all vulnerable populations rather than reflect on the lessons we've learned. We should be listening to the victims' rights advocate groups and our local law enforcement agencies, which know and deal daily with the impacts on people's lives who are the victims of crime. Therefore, we ought to pass the bipartisan Senate reauthorization bill and end this partisan charade.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, we honor American teachers nationwide this week, who, day in and day out, work to make a future brighter for America. We all have had at least one or more teachers who has shaped our lives and who have believed in us. Mine was Mrs. Myrna Collins, who taught me in both the fourth and seventh grades back at Kearney Elementary School. This no-nonsense woman with a Texas drawl was determined that, despite the fact that I could be a handful, I was going to behave and learn--and learn I did. A few years back, I made an effort to have lunch with Mrs. Collins, and she made the comment that she knew that I could be successful if I only applied myself, and she was right. Her guidance back then showed me how much could be accomplished with hard work and focus. In the San Joaquin Valley and nationwide, teachers of America meet the challenges in the classroom with grace and grit every day. As we recognize these teachers throughout our country, we thank you for what you do every week of the school year. God bless you, Mrs. Collins, for all the students whose lives you've touched. Thank you.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Edward Woodrow Hunt, who passed away on April 21, 2012 at the age of 69. Mr. Hunt served as Fresno County's District Attorney for two decades, from 1982 to 2002. He was a passionate prosecutor, who sought justice for victims and was instrumental in the passage of California's ``Three Strikes'' law. Mr. Hunt was born on July 27, 1942 in Huntsville, Alabama to Ed and Ethel Hunt. He demonstrated his dedication to public service early in his life, when he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961. He served proudly until 1964. His military work brought him to California's San Joaquin Valley, where he worked as an aircraft mechanic at the Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California. A proud product of Valley schools, Mr. Hunt graduated from California State University, Fresno with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, and earned his law degree from the San Joaquin College of Law. Early in his career, Mr. Hunt worked as a Deputy District Attorney, where his love of public service grew. His zest for the law and service led him to seek election to become Fresno County's District Attorney. After a demanding 1982 election cycle, the voters selected Mr. Hunt as their District Attorney. As Fresno's Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Mr. Hunt hit the ground running, and worked diligently to take action against those who had violated the law. Not only was he an impeccable District Attorney, he was also an important partner in ensuring the well-being and safety of our Valley, and eventually the entire State. When two former California Assembly Members, myself and Mr. Bill Jones, co-authored legislation for our State's ``Three Strikes and You're Out,'' which eventually was placed on the ballot as an initiative by the people of California, Mr. Hunt was one of its staunchest supporters. California's ``Three Strikes'' law sought to increase sentences for repeat offenders in order to significantly decrease crime. Mr. Hunt recognized the value of the proposition and worked hard to earn the support of the California District Attorneys Association. An exceptional and savvy prosecutor, Mr. Hunt was truly a valuable asset for the people of Central California. During his tenure, he helped reduce crime rates, and established specialty prosecution teams, including the Multi Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), a nationally recognized gang unit. He will be sorely missed by friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter Tami; and stepson Steve Sirman. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and service of Mr. Edward Woodrow Hunt. His service to our Valley will ensure that his legacy lives on for years to come.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Tracy Ranch on the occasion of its 150th anniversary celebration. The Tracy Ranch has made a significant and historical impact on agriculture in Kern County. During its 150 year history, the Tracy Ranch has become a family-held operation that grows cotton, wheat, potatoes, tomatoes, almonds and pistachios. Beef raising rounds out the operations of Buttonwillow Land & Cattle Company, a partnership made up of three families: the Freys, Selvidges and Tracys. The Tracy Ranch legacy officially began in 1862 when Ferdinand Tracy and Wellington Canfield formed the partnership Canfield & Tracy, a rangeland cattle operation. Their herds roamed the lower San Joaquin Valley, grazing on wild grass in an untamed dominion ruled by the likes of rattlesnakes, jackrabbits, coyotes and waterfowl. In 1875, Ferdinand married Ellen Baker, the widow of Colonel Thomas Baker. In 1898, Ferdinand's nephew, William Tracy, established what would be today's headquarters and historical park on Wildwood Road, 5 miles northeast of Buttonwillow. This era was marked by the raising of Belgian draft horses and later, ostriches. His marriage in 1904 to the daughter of another pioneer family, Fannie C. Rowlee, would yield six children. With the death of William Tracy in 1941, his widow Fannie Tracy rallied her widespread children and their spouses back to the ranch. The result was a turning point that saved a ranch ravaged by bad luck of the 1920s and the Great Depression of the 1930s. Fueled by the talents and resources of the Freys, Selvidges and Tracys, made urgent by World War II, the ranch was transformed from an equine epoch into a mechanized farming operation. Today in the fifth generation, diversity is their strength. The Tracy Ranch is respected and should be honored for the achievement of their unity. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the hard work and dedication that the Tracy Ranch has put forth. Reaching its 150th year, the Tracy Ranch is joined today by only a handful of other surviving Kern County operations with roots going back to early California. I congratulate the Tracy Ranch on its many years of dedicated and successful work in California, and wish the families many successful years to come.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. As co-founder and cochair with Congressman Ted Poe of the bipartisan Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, we are well aware that far too often the victims of crimes suffer in silence. Just last week, members of the caucus honored advocates nationwide for their work in supporting crime victims, including the University of California-Merced and Candy O'Donel-Browne of Mountain Crisis Services and the good work that she and her folks have done. Every day, these advocates work tirelessly to guarantee that every survivor has a place to turn for support in the aftermath of crime. Though we wish that commemorative weeks such as this were not necessary, they help educate the public and remind survivors that they are not and never will be forgotten. All of us have a responsibility to give voice to the challenges crime victims face, not just this week, but for every week of the year.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Mr. Denham to pay tribute to the service of Mr. Al Perry on the occasion of his retirement from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Central California Healthcare System. His years of dedicated service to United States veterans exemplifies his reverence for our country and demonstrates the best of what America has to offer. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Middlebury College in 1970, Mr. Perry served in the United States Medical Service Corps from 1971 to 1973. This service marked the beginning of his unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the welfare and safety of our nation. Following his service, Mr. Perry attended Northeastern University where he obtained a Master's Degree in Public Administration, and the Medical College of Virginia where he earned a Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration. During his career with the VA, he has served as a friend and counselor to many of our nation's service men and women. As a coach and mentor for the VA's career and development programs, Mr. Perry served as a guide and moral paradigm for countless veterans by steering and advising them through difficult decisions. Prior to this, Mr. Perry served as adjunct faculty at California State University, Long Beach and Boston University. A tireless advocate for all veterans, Mr. Perry has held a number of leadership positions within the VA. He served as Co-Chair, Chair, Acting Director, and eventually Director of several national taskforces and healthcare systems, including the VA National Workload Realignment Taskforce, the CARES Livermore Realignment Taskforce, and the federal medical disaster stations during Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Gustav. Under his management, the VA Central California Healthcare System was widely recognized. In 2003, the VA Central California Healthcare System received the ``Central California Excellence in Business Award'' from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and the Fresno Bee. In 2006, they received the VA Secretary's Annual Labor-Management Partnership Award and were recognized by the VA Under Secretary with the Annual Diversity Award. They also received the Robert W. Carey Performance Achievement Award and were ranked among ``America's 100 Most Wired Hospitals'' in 2009, 2006, and 2004. In 2010, they received the Robert W. Carey Performance Achievement Award. Mr. Perry's longstanding commitment to U.S. veterans is truly a reflection of his character and has not gone unrecognized. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the OPM ``HERO'' Award for Community Service in the Federal Non-Military Division the Presidential Rank ``Meritorious Executive'' Award, the ``Distinguished Executive'' Award, and the 2011 Veterans Health Administration Certified Mentor of the Year Award. Mr. Perry has been a true champion for veterans of the Central Valley. He and his team have consistently and effectively partnered with local elected officials in efforts to better serve and care for Central Valley veterans. We applaud Mr. Perry for his many years of work on behalf of our nation's veterans and their families. His retirement marks a bittersweet milestone for the VA Central California Healthcare System. We wish him the best of success as he begins the next chapter of his life. Mr. Perry is looking forward to enjoying more time with his wife, Susan-Jean Perry, and his daughters and son in-law, Amanda Perry, Meredith Kohl, and Kristoffer Kohl. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Denham and I ask our colleagues to join us in congratulating Mr. Al Perry on his successful career as a leader in the Veterans Affairs Central California Healthcare System, and honoring for his life-long service to the United States of America and its veterans.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Kenneth C. Fugelsang on the occasion of his retirement from California State University, Fresno. Professor Fugelsang served the university as an Enology professor for 40 years and as University Winemaster for the award-winning Fresno State Winery. The Viticulture and Enology Department at Fresno State is a one-of-a-kind, world renowned program, which serves approximately 200 students every year. A proud product of the California State University system, Professor Fugelsang earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Fresno State. He then furthered his education at the University of California, Davis where he was a visiting research scholar. Since 1971, Professor Fugelsang has served the university in a number of capacities. In every one of his endeavors, he has been instrumental in ensuring the success of Fresno State students, as well as the grape and wine industry. His impact on the grape and wine industry has been paramount. He is recognized as one of the world's leading experts on Brettanomyces-- spoilage yeast that grows on grapes and in wineries. Recognizing his expertise, his colleagues have trusted him to coordinate and present at a number of regional, national, and international conferences. Professor Fugelsang's guidance has continually been an asset to his students, many of whom have gone on to win acclaim in their own right. In 1997, he helped establish the commercial winery at Fresno State. The winery has the distinction of being the first bonded winery on a university campus in the United States. Operated by students, the Fresno State Winery produces almost 10,000 cases a year, including wine cultivated from the university campus farm. His students consistently received real-world, hands-on experience which led them to be job-ready upon graduation. Professor Fugelsang has always worked to provide the best for his students throughout his career. He secured donations exceeding $2 million in facilities, equipment, supplies, grapes, and technical services that have helped students directly. In 2011, Professor Fugelsang was conferred professor emeritus status. During his impressive career, he published more than 150 technical papers, 18 books, and made editorial contributions to domestic and international journals. Additionally, he was the recipient of nearly 50 research grants, amounting to approximately $5 million. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Professor Kenneth C. Fugelsang for his meaningful contributions to our Valley and Fresno State students. His legacy will live on for years to come, through the success of his students, tomorrow's winemakers.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Mr. Cardoza to honor the life and service of Judge Robert M. Falasco who passed away on March 30, 2012 at the age of 89. Judge Falasco was a true community treasure who served as a mentor, respected leader, and loyal friend. He touched the lives of many in the San Joaquin Valley. His legacy will live on through the numerous contributions he made to Central California, as well as his commitment to justice, fairness, and the law. Born in 1922 to Dominic and Theresa Falasco, Judge Falasco understood the value of public service early in his life. From 1943 to 1946, he served our nation in the United States Army Air Corps. He then went on to study at Santa Clara University School of Law in California, where he graduated in 1951 and was admitted to the California State Bar in 1952. Judge Falasco was elected to the Merced County Justice Court in 1958, where he served until 1977. He was then appointed to Merced County's Municipal Court, and finally to the Merced County Superior Court in 1982. He retired in 1985. During his distinguished career, Judge Falasco served the people of Central California admirably. He could always be relied upon to provide fair-minded and knowledgeable rulings. Through his leadership, Judge Falasco became a role model for his friends and neighbors. His compassion and concern for our community served as a testament to his extraordinary character. Judge Falasco not only fulfilled his judicial duties, he also worked for our Valley in a number of capacities. From 1955 1958, he served as a trustee for the Los Banos Elementary School District. For 15 years, Judge Falasco was director of the Merced County Fair Board. He was also a member of the Board of Fellows for Santa Clara University, and played an active role in the building of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School and Memorial Hospital in Los Banos. Recognizing his honesty and intelligence, as well as his incredible impact on the Valley, the Merced County courthouse in Los Banos was renamed the ``Merced County Robert M. Falasco Justice Center'' by the City of Los Banos in 2007. Judge Falasco was a devout Catholic and his good works were often inspired by his faith. In 1975, Pope Paul VI made him a Knight of St. Gregory for his civic and religious contributions. His innovative spirit was exemplified by his early support of the University of California, Merced. He cared deeply about the San Joaquin Valley and often looked for ways to improve and serve his community. Judge Falasco regarded this as one of the highest honors in his life. Judge Falasco led an extraordinary life filled with compassion, stewardship, and a deep appreciation for the law. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Yvonne; four children, Michael, Joan, Anne, and Sally; two sons-in-law; one daughter-in-law; and 11 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in honoring the life and outstanding service of the honorable Robert M. Falasco, a beloved leader and admired scholar.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. James Wesley ``Jim'' Andreas, who passed away on April 21, 2012 at the age of eighty. Jim was a farmer, a community leader and a veteran, who lived an exemplary life. Most importantly, Jim will be remembered for being a loving family man and loyal friend. Born into a proud farming family, Jim was born on December 28, 1931 at the Andreas home just outside of Delano, California. A son of John David ``Dave'' and Emma Andreas, he grew up working on the family farm diligently along with his siblings--Frank, John, Mary, Virginia, and Roger. Jim demonstrated his leadership, athletic and scholastic abilities throughout his school years, participating in Key Club, Band, Tennis and 4 H Club, where he was selected as a County All-Star. He graduated from Delano High School in 1949 and was voted as ``the Brains'' senior superlative. While studying at Stanford University, the family home was destroyed during a fire and Jim returned to Delano to help rebuild the ranch. Upon the completion of the J.D. Andreas and Sons ranch base of operations, Jim finished his studies at University of California, Davis, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics with honors in 1954. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, earning a commission in the Naval Reserve as an Ensign and trained to be a skilled and decorated naval pilot. On April 28, 1962 and during his time of service to our country, Jim married Jill Marie Taggart. After completing his active duty service, Jim and Jill returned to Delano to the family business in agriculture. Jim worked alongside his father and brothers at the J.D. Andreas and Sons farming operation. Under his management, the business grew from 300 acres to 2,000 acres of field crops and grape vineyards. Through his role at J.D. Andreas and Sons, Jim was a true leader in California agriculture, serving 33 years as a member of the California Dry Bean Advisory Board and as chairman for six years. He was also a Director of the Cal-Bean and Grain Cooperative, Inc. and the Raisin Bargaining Association, where his expertise and knowledge were recognized both domestically and internationally. Jim also immersed himself in our community and was active in a number of organizations. He served on the Delano Joint Union High School Board of Trustees, the Delano High Ag Advisory Group and volunteered as 4 H Club leader for over 15 years. Jim was a devoted member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Delano, where he was a supporter of the Key Club and started the Builders' Club for 7th and 8th grade students at Cecil Avenue Junior High. Jim also served as Secretary of Our Saviour Lutheran Church and Director of the Valley Production Credit Association. He was honored as Delano's Man of the Year in 1987, received the UC Davis Award of Distinction in 1995 for his service to California Agriculture, and was selected as the Grand Marshal of the 2003 Delano Harvest Holidays Festival. Jim's legacy will live on through his service to our nation, his work in our Valley, and through his children, LCDR Mark J. Andreas, USN Ret and Dr. Jennifer Andreas, and his four grandchildren, Mark J. Andreas, Jr., Austin Williamson, John W. Andreas, and Ashley Williamson. Perhaps what was most telling of Jim's character was the importance he placed on family and friendship. Jim leaves his many family members with many warm and cherished memories. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of James Wesley Andreas, an honorable and respected man with an unwavering commitment to his loving family and our nation.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Mr. Denham, to pay tribute to Senior Master Sergeant Bill Dietzel and his service to the United States and our veterans. His selfless and honorable work for our nation and its men and women in uniform make him a source of pride for our community and our country. Bill entered the service on September 23, 1952. During his time in the United States Air Force, he was a flight engineer for B 29s and other four engine aircrafts. In 1957, he worked as a crew chief/flight engineer at the 420th Air Refueling Squadron. In September 1957, he deployed to the Sculthorpe RAF station in England, and the SAC Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska in 1961. He served our nation proudly in the Air Force until his retirement on September 30, 1972. His loyalty and devotion to our country is remarkable and highly commendable. A tireless advocate for all veterans, Bill has accomplished much throughout his distinguished military and civilian career. He is the publisher and managing editor of the U.S. Veterans Magazine, through which he seeks to honor all who have served. Additionally, he has been the director of the annual Fresno Veterans Day Parade for the past 11 years. The Fresno Veterans Day Parade is one of the largest in the country and is broadcast to about 2.6 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces--Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve--through the Pentagon Channel. The channel also reaches more than 18 million households through satellite and cable systems nationwide. Further demonstrating his commitment to our nation's veterans, Bill founded the ``Wall of Honor'' at the Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care System in Fresno, California. A veteran, friend, mentor, and great American, Bill's longstanding dedication to service is truly a reflection of his superior moral character. He has consistently worked side by side with elected officials and Valley leaders to ensure that the needs of our veterans and their families are met. There has never been a challenge too daunting for Bill; he has always maintained a positive and confident attitude. His contributions to Central California and our nation are truly extraordinary. In addition to his significant work, Bill is a loving husband and father. He and his wife Marilyn have been married for 59 years. Together they have 5 children: Linda Leigh, Jeanette, Susan, Barbara Ann, Cynthia Marie, and William Keith. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Mr. Denham and me in recognizing Senior Master Sergeant Bill Dietzel for his unwavering allegiance to our veterans and his reverence for our country. He truly exemplifies the best of what America has to offer.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Candy O'Donel-Browne, a tireless advocate for victims of domestic abuse in California's San Joaquin Valley. As we observe National Crime Victims' Rights Week, this is a fitting time to honor Mrs. O'Donel-Browne. As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, VRC, I was proud to nominate Mrs. O'Donel-Browne for the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Outstanding Victim Advocacy, one of five annual awards given by the VRC. Each year, the Ed Stout Award honors professionals or volunteers whose efforts directly benefit victims and survivors of crime. Mrs. O'Donel-Browne has spent her life doing just that. After seeing the lack of services for victims in our Valley's rural communities, Mrs. O'Donel-Browne and a few other concerned community members created Mountain Crisis Services, Inc., MCS, in Mariposa, California, in 1990. Since the beginning of MCS, she served as a dedicated and innovative board member and now serves as President of the Board of Directors. Though the work is challenging both physically and mentally, Mrs. O'Donel-Browne has shown exceptional creativity and flexibility, easily filling the role of Executive Director when needed. Due to her diligence and dedication, the life saving services offered by MCS never cease. In 2008, Mrs. O'Donel-Browne again noticed a void in victims' services in Merced County. After a sister agency was forced to close its doors, MCS opened a fully functioning office and shelter in only six weeks. When the agency finally shut down its services, the Valley Crisis Center stood at the ready to assist victims in Merced County. During this time, she often articulated the need to ensure that no victim should be left without services or access to safety. MCS has transformed from a single domestic violence agency with a staff of 12 to a dual domestic violence and rape crisis agency with a staff of 30, serving two counties with vastly different populations. Although this transition occurred in a time of economic recession and tight state and federal budgets, she surmounted the odds and did so with professionalism, passion and grace. Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I ask my colleagues to stand with me in thanking Mrs. Candy O'Donel-Browne for her devotion to the domestic violence movement and to the victims she so faithfully serves. Please join me today in recognizing her remarkable achievements and wish her and the communities she serves many more years of success.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 195, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3336, the Small Business Credit Availability Act. This bipartisan measure received unanimous support in the House Committee on Agriculture and ensures, as the previous speakers have indicated, that small financial entities such as community banks, farm credit system institutions, and credit unions will not be burdened with costly regulations resulting from the reform of our financial system. That was never Congress' intent. I appreciate very much the work of Chairman Lucas and Ranking Member Peterson and their staffs, as well as the bill's sponsor, Representative Hartzler, to reach an agreement with not only myself, but my colleagues, Congressmen Baca and Cardoza, who are also on the committee, as well as the California delegation on the underlying text of this bill. Without your support, obviously we could not address this issue pertaining to California. While we work to maintain the viability of small businesses recognized in H.R. 3336, we also must look for ways to avoid unintended consequences resulting from the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act on other entities, in this case, such as utilities. It's always the difficult challenge we have in Congress, the law of unintended consequences, that we must respond to. Because of California's regulatory environment, I expressed concerns in the committee that California's energy providers, our utility companies, might be or would be inadvertently, as we believe, swept up by the ``swap dealer'' definition, which is the efforts that the committee has addressed. Over several weeks, we worked together with the staff and the utilities to develop language that provides the clarity needed to ensure that companies within California that provide energy for all businesses and residences--which are ultimately California's ratepayers--are not penalized by the Federal regulators for simply complying with State law. H.R. 3336 includes language clarifying that the actions undertaken to comply with State or local laws or regulations are excluded in determining whether or not an entity is considered a swap dealer. Let me be specific. The language clarifies that resource adequacy contracts entered into to satisfy California's Public Utilities Commission procurement requirements, renewable energy credits used to satisfy the California Renewable Portfolio Standard, and emission allowances to satisfy California's greenhouse regulations should not--and this is the key line--should not be considered in determining whether or not an entity is a swap dealer. My colleagues, we should understand that the situation we're dealing with in these examples, these transactions, are closely regulated by California's Public Utilities Commission or the California Air Resources Board, and they pose no systemic risk to our financial systems or to the ratepayers. While California is currently affected, it is possible that these concerns could be shared by energy providers in other States. That's why the committee, in their wisdom, chose to address this issue to help not only California, but possibly to extend to other States that might be similarly affected. For these reasons, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. I once again want to thank the chairman, thank Ranking Member Peterson, Chairman Lucas, and the author of the bill, Representative Hartzler.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, 97 years ago, the Ottoman Empire orchestrated a murderous campaign that resulted in the death of 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children and forced hundreds of thousands into exile. Growing up in Fresno, California, the place William Saroyan, a great American author of Armenian descent, called home, I heard the stories of this tragic time between 1915 and 1923. The sons and daughters of survivors, time and time again, told the stories of their families. The facts are clear. What happened 97 years ago can only be called by one name: genocide--the first genocide of the 20th century. Yet after nearly a century, the House of Representatives and current and past American Presidents have refused to recognize the Armenian genocide as such. We cannot wait for a convenient moment, for it's not a convenient truth. Man's inhumanity to mankind never is. Now is the time to pass House Resolution 304 that I am a cosponsor of and formally recognize the Armenian genocide.