Jim Costa

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Mr. David Valadao to pay tribute to the life of our good friend, Joe P. Oliveira, Sr., of Lemoore, California who recently passed away at the age of 89. He leaves behind his loving family including his daughters, Marlene Jeung and husband Don, Patty Silva and Husband Denny, Debbie Etchebehere and husband Jean, Cheryl Silva and husband Russ; daughter in law, Pam Oliveira, Son-in-law Darryl Ray, Brothers Jon, Frank, Westley, Leonard, Manuel, Edward, Louie and sister Mary, along with 16 grandchildren; and 29 great grandchildren. Joe P. Oliveira, Sr., was born in Hanford, CA on January 28, 1926 to John P. and Eliza Leal Oliveira he was the fourth born of 12 children. Joe P., as he liked to be called, was a man who dedicated himself to his family and the dairy industry in the San Joaquin Valley and California. He returned to the family dairy after his honorable discharge from the US Army-Air Force in 1947. He bought his own dairy in 1953 and throughout his working years he dedicated his time and efforts to his love of dairy. He served on the Kings County Creamery Association Board for over 20 years and Challenge Cream and Butter Association Board for fifteen years. This experience and his involvement with the Western Dairyman's Association prompted then Governor Reagan to appoint Joe P. to the Milk Pooling Formulation Committee which resulted in a program that helped all dairymen. After selling his dairy, he worked full time for Western Dairyman's from 1973 to 1987 and upon his retirement he was presented with a Resolution from the California State Legislature recognizing his contributions to the dairy industry. Joe P. married the love of his life Adeline Paulo; they were blessed with one son, and five daughters. He was actively involved in the Lemoore Trinity Association for over 50 years. He led the efforts of many, placing calves on dairy farms where his many friends raised them. They were then sold with the donations going towards building a new hall at Lemoore Trinity Association. He also served on the Kings County Grand Jury. It goes without saying that Joe P. Oliveira, Sr., was an honorable man with a commitment to his family and friends and the agricultural community in the San Joaquin Valley that will forever live in the lives of the people he so graciously touched. His passion for family, education, and his community will be remembered by all who knew him. He was my friend and I will miss him a great deal. He conducted his life with reverence for humanity. It is with great pride that I honor him for all he did on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley and for California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that Mr. Valadao and I ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in honoring the life of Joe P. Oliveira, Sr., a remarkable Californian. We are honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man who will never be forgotten.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chair, as some of my colleagues have mentioned, the ban on crude oil exports is an outdated policy. It was 1975 that it was enacted. A lot has changed since 1975. I believe this bipartisan, commonsense solution is needed to develop a comprehensive effort to deal with our energy policy in America that deals with both our short-term and our long-term needs. I think we have to use all the tools in our energy toolbox, and I think this is part of that effort. New technologies have provided the United States with an abundance of crude oil that is only continuing in nature, combined with our renewables and our other energy sources. We need to understand that this is about stimulating our economy and creating jobs, and it also has a very important geopolitical influence on bad actors, like Russia and Iran, who use energy as a political weapon. I understand there are concerns by my colleagues about eliminating this ban and the negative impacts it will have. I have some concerns with small and midsized domestic refineries, which I have represented.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chair, this is a work in progress. We obviously need to address a number of other issues with the Senate. I remind my colleagues, this is important. It is about jobs, the economy, and providing alternatives of energy to Russia and Iran, and that is why I support this legislation as we continue to work together in a bipartisan fashion.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Megan Elizabeth Barron, who recently passed away on September 10, 2015, at the age of 24. Megan was an extraordinary person, and she will always be remembered as a young woman who lived her life with purpose and great dedication to her family, community, and strangers via her writing and advocacy for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Megan passed away surrounded by her loving family at the University of Miami Hospital. She was born on January 26, 1991, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Richard E. Barron and Elizabeth Ward. Megan was born with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, an extremely severe skin condition that led her to write about her life experiences and further inspire others. She was an extremely talented young woman who was admired by many and always asserted her right for respect. Regardless of the obstacles Megan encountered she remained positive and was a scholar who focused on her studies. Megan graduated salutatorian of Coral Springs High School in 2009. She went on to graduate from Trinity College of Arts and Sciences at Duke University in 2013. While at Duke, Megan was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta history honor society and she founded the Duke Disability Alliance. Among her many accomplishments Megan was a National Merit Commended Scholar, a National Advanced Placement Scholar of Distinction and a Florida International University book award winner. She received the Miami Herald Silver Knight Award in general scholarship and the annual Spirit Award from the Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa Research Association (DebRA) of America. Megan also interned with the White House, Senator Bill Nelson of Florida's legislative office and the Library of Congress. During her last two years Megan served as the Social Media Coordinator for the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Megan was a model of comportment in the face of daunting adversity. Despite her illness, she never seemed to let it get in her way. She enjoyed history, food, flowers, travel, poetry, writing, the Pittsburgh Steelers, ballet, sailing, French culture, politics, and the arts. Megan is survived by her father Richard E. Barron, mother Elizabeth Ward, stepfather James Patrick Ward, and brother Jason R. Barron. The poem below titled The Butterfly Child written by Megan back in 2003 perfectly depicts her inspiring persona and the way in which she served as a role model and inspiration to those that she met. A fragile little butterfly Whose been cursed but doesn't know why Who sees the world through different eyes And soars with the wings for the butterflies For the precious little butterfly Is different and she knows That crying doesn't ever help But sometimes her struggling shows To be a butterfly in such a world Where people are so vain She tries to keep her chin up She knows she can't complain. Although her physical differences Make life become a fight She has been blessed in different ways And sheds the world with light. Though people are judgmental To the precious butterfly Her mind is one in a million Her mind is her tool to fly The curse has been put on the butterfly Yes, she knows it's true But she won't let it stop her From soaring to the sky The Miraculous little butterfly Puts up a mighty fight But that won't stand in this Butterflies way From spreading her inspiring light Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in saying farewell to a young woman who embodied passion and inspiration, Ms. Megan Elizabeth Barron. Her genuine character and loving commitment to life will be greatly missed.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission as they celebrate 50 years of dedicated service to Fresno County. Fresno EOC has spent five decades investing in people and assisting them in becoming self- sufficient. Further this agency administers numerous human services and economic development programs. These programs include pre-school education, vocational training, juvenile and drug abuse counseling, treatment for serious juvenile offenders, youth recreation, and senior citizen hot meal services to name a few. As one of the largest and most effective poverty fighting organizations in the country, Fresno EOC has touched the lives of more than 145,000 residents of Fresno County. Through programs that make real measurable differences, Fresno EOC continues to give families the immediate help they need and the long-term support that allows them to build better lives. When Congress passed the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, the goal was to obtain equality of opportunity in education, employment, health and living conditions for every American in our Country and Fresno EOC has done an exemplary job of accomplishing these goals. Over the past 5 decades, Fresno EOC has made countless contributions to our city and the entire San Joaquin Valley. From programs ranging from Head Start, to the Local Conservation Corps, and Fresno CDFI, Fresno EOC has done so much to make our community a better place. The results of these programs have allowed local organizations like Fresno EOC to leverage nearly $2.20 in private capital from every dollar that the federal government invests in Community Service Block Grant (CSBG). 90 percent of CSBG funds go directly to local communities to provide critical services such as child care, job training, housing, and financial education that improve self-sufficiency. Fresno EOC employs over 1,300 full and part time staff members committed to transforming lives. With over 30 programs to serve the community, they bridge the gaps with almost every aspect of the underserved population. There are more than 1,100 Community Action Agencies across the nation offering services every year in 99 percent of U.S. counties. These agencies serve 16 million low-income individuals, primarily members of working families and seniors, and in Fresno we are lucky to have one of the largest Community Action Agencies in the nation. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me as we celebrate Fresno EOC's 50th year of improving economic opportunities and empowering individuals in the San Joaquin Valley. This agency is making a difference and creating better opportunities for our future generations.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Mr. David Valadao to pay tribute to the life of our good friend, Joe P. Oliveira Sr. of Lemoore, California who recently passed away at the age of 89. He leaves behind his loving family including his daughters, Marlene Jeung and husband Don, Patty Silva and husband Denny, Debbie Etchebehere and husband Jean, Cheryl Silva and husband Russ; daughter in law, Pam Oliveira, Son-in-law Darryl Ray, Brothers Jon, Frank, Westley, Leonard, Manuel, Edward, Louie and sister Mary, along with 16 grandchildren; and 29 great grandchildren. Joe P. Oliveira Sr. was born in Hanford, CA on January 28, 1926 to John P. and Eliza Leal Oliveira he was the fourth born of 12 children. Joe P., as he liked to be called, was a man who dedicated himself to his family and the dairy industry in the San Joaquin Valley and California. He returned to the family dairy after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army-Air Force in 1947. He bought his own dairy in 1953 and throughout his working years he dedicated his time and efforts to his love of dairy. He served on the Kings County Creamery Association Board for over 20 years and Challenge Cream and Butter Association Board for fifteen years. This experience and his involvement with the Western Dairyman's Association prompted then Governor Reagan to appoint Joe P. to the Milk Pooling Formulation Committee which resulted in a program that helped all dairymen. After selling his dairy, he worked full time for Western Dairyman's from 1973 to 1987 and upon his retirement he was presented with a Resolution from the California State Legislature recognizing his contributions to the dairy industry. Joe P. married the love of his life Adeline Paulo; they were blessed with one son, and five daughters. He was actively involved in the Lemoore Trinity Association for over 50 years. He led the efforts of many, placing calves on dairy farms where his many friends raised them. They were then sold with the donations going towards building a new hall at Lemoore Trinity Association. He also served on the Kings County Grand Jury. It goes without saying that Joe P. Oliveira Sr. was an honorable man with a commitment to his family and friends and the agricultural community in the San Joaquin Valley that will forever live in the lives of the people he so graciously touched. His passion for family, education, and his community will be remembered by all who knew him. He was my friend and I will miss him a great deal. He conducted his life with reverence for humanity. It is with great pride that I honor him for all he did on behalf of the San Joaquin Valley and for California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that Mr. Valadao and I ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in honoring the life of Joe P. Oliveira Sr., a remarkable Californian. We are honored and humbled to join his family in celebrating the life of this amazing man who will never be forgotten.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Nancy MacDonald Clark, a champion of nursing education in the San Joaquin Valley. Dr. Clark's efforts in improving the lives of Valley residents, as well as expanding the California State University Stanislaus Department of Nursing, makes her extraordinarily deserving of having the university's Community Health Simulation Lab named in her honor. Nancy Joan MacDonald Clark was born July 13, 1946 in San Francisco to Joseph MacDonald, a pharmacist, and Edith Bakke MacDonald, a registered nurse. She passed away on December 29, 2014 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Nancy's family moved from the bay area to Atwater, California in 1951 to open a drug store. Nancy learned the value of service from her parents' involvement in the community. Her father served as Mayor of Atwater for two terms, and her mother hosted Atwater Chamber of Commerce coffee meetings for the newly arrived airmen at Castle Air Force Base. Nancy graduated from Atwater High School in 1964 and became an active member of the Atwater Women's Club. Nancy graduated from then Fresno State College with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Nursing in 1968. She then went on to earn a Master's of Science in Nursing from California State University Fresno in 1983. She completed a Master's in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in San Francisco in 1985, and earned her Doctorate in Education from University of California, Davis/California State University Fresno's Joint Doctoral Program in 2004. Dr. Clark worked in acute care in San Francisco, Texas and Florida for two years before relocating to the Central Valley, where she worked in Migrant Health. She then worked as a nurse in the Merced County Health Department for six years. After raising two young children for a number of years, she accepted an appointment at California State University, Stanislaus as a visiting lecturer. Nancy eventually progressed through the ranks to become a full professor in the nursing program, an RN to BSN Second Degree Program. Dr. Clark was appointed Chair of the Nursing Department at CSU Stanislaus in 1999 and implemented a partnership with Sonoma State University to bring an MSN-FNP Program to campus. As Chair of the program, Nancy was most proud of founding the Pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in 2002, the first generic nursing program to open in California in ten years. Before leaving the department, she had completed a needs assessment and proposal for an MSN program which opened in spring 2009. After earning her doctorate in 2004, Dr. Clark was appointed Interim Associate Dean of the College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences at CSU Stanislaus. Following two years of leave and twenty-eight years in academia, Nancy retired in the summer of 2008 to focus on her health and family. Mr. Speaker it is with reverence that I recognize the memory of Dr. Nancy Joan MacDonald Clark. Nancy dedicated many years of her life educating nurses of the future, and enabling those students to not only improve the lives of California residents but the lives of people throughout our nation. May her years of service to the California State University, Stanislaus never be forgotten.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Ms. Matsui to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic Cabrillo Civic Club in Sacramento, California--an institution that has brought families and communities together since its establishment. The Spanish mission style building began as the Sutter School in 1915, an elementary school whose students were mostly children of immigrants. Due to the majority of students being of Portuguese descent or children of Japanese farmers, the students of the Sutter School relied heavily on their education to assimilate as Americans. As the school grew in popularity and enrollment increased, two additional wings were added to the building, but eventually closed its doors as a school in 1952. In 1954, the property was purchased by the current owners, Cabrillo Civic Club Number 5 of Sacramento County. The members of the Cabrillo Civic Clubs of California are dedicated to the civic progress of Californians of Portuguese descent in memory of their compatriot, John Rodrigues Cabrillo, discoverer of California on September 28, 1542. Being third generation Portuguese, I feel strongly that this organization has helped foster the growth of our rich culture and sustained the strong community values we hold. Today the members continue to be dedicated to community development and involvement in and around every club. Not only is the building available for rent to host events such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, fundraisers, and memorials for the Sacramento County, but the club also promotes scholarships for students of Portuguese descent and better education in campus youth programs. These programs perpetuate the achievements of other Portuguese forefathers in the state of California, just like Cabrillo. The Club has also been known for many charitable activities, including: blood drives; fund raising for polio and cancer research, and assisting candidates for U.S. citizenship. In addition, they foster a great amount of energy into promoting Portuguese culture through sponsorship of various special events such as Portuguese Immigrant Week and local ``Festas Portuguesas.'' The Cabrillo Civic Club of Sacramento County has done an incredible job for the past 100 years in uniting families of Portuguese descent in a community where public service, education, and culture are valued. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that Ms. Matsui and I ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in congratulating the 100th anniversary of the historic Cabrillo Civic Club in Sacramento, and to wish them many more prosperous years in promoting Portuguese achievements in the state of California.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, this Congress is making a habit, unfortunately, of acting in crisis mode, which is irresponsible and does a disservice to the fate and the trust that the American public has placed in us as their elected representatives, and this has a direct bearing on our economy. The Pope spoke to the need for us to come together and negotiate bipartisan solutions for the many challenges facing the United States and the world. The first and most pressing issue is to fund government. Thankfully, tomorrow the House is expected to vote on a short-term continuing resolution to do just that. I hope my colleagues will vote in favor of a clean continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown. There is no justification to shut down government. Yes, we have our differences. We negotiate that in a budget process. However, we know that this is a short-term fix and that a real solution to fixing our Nation's very real and very serious budget problems is in producing a long-term budget, and we should do that in December. Instead of moving from one crisis to another crisis, we must get back to the work of governing responsibly. Responsible governance requires that we come together, work hard, compromise on a bipartisan budget that will not result in poorly thought-out, across-the-board spending cuts, more commonly known as sequestration. Failing to govern responsibly and compromise will negatively impact industries so vital to America. That includes our agriculture economy, which provides the food that we eat on America's dinner table. It includes manufacturing and service industries that provide goods and services that we trade. Finally, it will severely impact some programs that support our Nation's future, like health care, education, public safety, and research and development, costing billions of dollars and thousands of jobs. In addition to negotiating a bipartisan budget agreement, we need to address the impacts of sequestration and the Congress must address the debt ceiling this December without fanfare that could further throw our economy into chaos. If the United States were to default on its loans or fail to live up to our promises to those of retirement age, it would send our economy in a downward spiral just at the time that we are finally recovering from this Great Recession. Unfortunately, not all the areas of the United States are feeling the recovery's effects equally. In the San Joaquin Valley that I represent, many of my constituents are still feeling the effects of the recession, in addition to the unnecessary impacts of our failure to invest in infrastructure, our water infrastructure that we terribly need to invest in as well as our transportation infrastructure. Vital programs, like the Ex-Im Bank, the highway trust fund, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, have either expired or will soon expire. The Export-Import Bank's charter which was created has sustained 1\1/2\ million private sector jobs and expired June 30. By refusing to bring up the reauthorization of the Bank for a vote, American jobs are being threatened and Congress is undermining the ability of American businesses to compete in a global market. The highway trust fund is set to expire on October 29. Our Nation's roads, bridges, highways, and railroads are out of date and are in dire need of repair. I have never seen a bridge or road that is Republican or Democrat. This is just investing in America. A long-term transportation bill was last passed by Congress in 2009. Since then, Congress has had 34 short-term patches. That is simply irresponsible. This not only puts American's safety at risk, but completely undermines our ability to create and sustain American jobs by investing in our infrastructure. Congress must act to work on a bipartisan basis to reauthorize these programs and countless other Federal programs that are set to expire not only this week, but in December, when we address long-term funding for the next fiscal year. Otherwise, there will be another threat to shut down government in December. It is irresponsible. Last week Pope Francis reminded us of our responsibilities, the better angels in all of us. He said, ``A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind, seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism. A good political leader always opts to initiate processes rather than simply possessing spaces.'' Therefore, the question we should be asking: Are we simply possessing spaces or are we trying to find together the common good for the common man, as Pope Francis suggested? I hope his spiritual guidance will allow us to work together to do what we were sent here to do, which is the people's work. That is what we were sent here to do on behalf of all Americans.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Denard Davis, a pillar of the community in Merced County. Mr. Denard Davis passed away September 8th, 2015. He is survived by his wife Yvonne, two daughters, Donna and Dorma, 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Denard Davis was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 15, 1934. Denard left New Orleans to attend Texas College in Tyler, Texas. Denard then served in the United States Marine Corps. After his discharge from the Corps in 1959 he went to San Francisco to work as a substitute teacher. On May 16, 1960 he married his childhood sweetheart Yvonne. On August 13th 1960 the newlyweds arrived in Merced where Denard began working for the Merced City School District. After teaching for fifteen years Denard became the first African American Assistant Superintendent of Merced County schools, providing administrative leadership for over 30 years. Denard Davis had extensive experience in the planning and development of educational programs from their inception to their implementation. He was an instrumental part in the development of the Head Start buildings in Planada and South Dos Palos. Denard also played an essential role in the development of preschool programs and buildings in the migrant worker camps in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. His efforts later extended to Madera and Contra Costa counties in 1969 and his administrative duties included hiring all staff in the five county migrant education program After retiring from the Merced County Office of Education he created his own consulting business and served on many projects, programs and initiatives that focused on the betterment of Merced County children's education. Denard worked on anything that would improve the opportunities, training, job creation and life-long experiences that would translate into the development of Merced County. These movements include among many others: serving on the board of the local NAACP chapter, workforce development and the renaming of J Street in Merced to Martin Luther King Jr. Way. He was instrumental in establishing the annual ``Concerned Men Cook'' event where all of the proceeds go to scholarships for local children. Denard managed local campaigns, and was always engaged on municipal and county committees. He was a thoughtful and active leader who often called upon the community to weigh in on local issues at public hearings. Mr. Speaker it is with great honor that I recognize the memory of Denard Davis. Denard dedicated his life to the promotion of civil rights and education. May his years of service to the community of Merced County never be forgotten.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the devastating wildfires that are sweeping throughout the Western States and, particularly, in much of California. Last week, we had over 22 wildfires at one time that were in various parts of California. Because of the incredible 4 consecutive dry years, what once was a seasonal issue now seems to be year round. Obviously, the drought conditions facing California played a big role in the ability to manage these wildfires, and the devastation that has occurred as a result of that has been great. These last 4 years have been among the driest 4 years we have had, climatologists say, in 1,200 years in California and in the Western States. Over 70 percent of California is facing what is considered to be extreme and exceptional drought conditions, which are among the highest categories that you can face under drought conditions. California is not new to managing wildfires. It is part of living in that State as well as in other Western States, but these dry conditions over the last 4 years have made it worse; therefore, we need to try to figure out different ways to address this. The Rough fire in Fresno County, which is part of the county I represent, has burned over 140,000 acres. Yesterday, finally, we got up to 67 percent contained. This fire has lasted over a month, and it has closed one of our great national parks, Kings Canyon National Park. Last week, when I was home, literally, ashes were raining on our communities. Governor Jerry Brown has announced a state of emergency for northern California. The Valley and Butte fires have been significant, affecting both Congressman McClintock's and Congressman Thompson's districts. Congressman Thompson has lost over 600 homes, and the fires are threatening thousands more. He has stayed there to protect his district and assist with the fires. At this point, the Valley fire is only 30 percent contained. The Butte fire has taken 233 homes. As a result of these devastating fires, sadly, two firefighters have lost their lives, three civilians have been killed, and four firefighters have been hospitalized due to receiving severe burns. Literally, we have thousands and thousands of men and women who are out there manning these fires. So the question is: What should we do about it as these numbers, sadly, continue to rise? We need to better manage our forests. We need to help alleviate and cut down on the fuel that is there through the brush that has made these fires spread incredibly fast in conditions that were never foretold. Wildfire suppression and better managing our forests is a key to doing this. The funding that we provide for natural disasters, like to FEMA for hurricanes and for earthquakes, ought to go toward putting out these fires. We have exceeded over $1 billion in the U.S. Forestry Department's budget, and we have completely overrun our ability to provide funding. Currently, money the U.S. Forest Service has allocated for forest cleanup in order to prevent fires is being used to put the fires out. We must put our political differences aside and pass legislation that will alleviate this crisis in Western States and in California. In addition to getting legislation passed that will provide funding for putting fires out, we need to put legislation together that would, in fact, in the future, manage our forests better. In July, I, along with Congressman Valadao, introduced legislation, the Western Water and American Food Security Act. This is part of a larger effort to deal with this issue. This legislation is the first step toward passing a bill that will provide additional tools for California to manage drought. This bill addresses a number of solutions to fix California's broken water system. They include improved operations that are governed by the latest science, which will allow us to move more water when water is available in the system; additional water storage capacity; increased water recycling and reuse; improved water efficiency; and a conveyance solution that minimizes the use of an ecosystem as infrastructure and that balances the water needs for all of California. This is but one of the tools that we need to address. We have legislation in the House, and we have legislation in the Senate. This fall, I hope we will be able to work together in a bipartisan fashion to pass this important legislation. Certainly, these wildfires tell the public--and the public tells us-- that we must do something about this. It must be a priority that we get something signed into law this year, before the rainy and snowy seasons begin. Lord knows, we hope it rains and snows this winter. People in California, people in our valley, which has been ground zero for the drought impacts, and people in the West want Congress to act. I urge my colleagues to take the appropriate action and pass much necessary legislation affecting the drought conditions in California and in the Western States.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Philip Hagopian of Madera, California who recently passed away on August 20, 2015 at the age of 64. Philip will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and community. Mr. Hagopian was born in Fresno, California on November 12, 1950, to Edward and Margaret Hagopian. He spent his early years in Fresno, before moving with his family to Kerman, and eventually settling in Madera. Upon graduating from high school, Philip went on to earn his B.A. in History from the University of California, Davis. After trying his hand at various occupations, he came back home to Madera and joined the family business, farming with his father, when he was 32 years old. In 1998, Philip married the love of his life, Ms. Carol Ann LeMarr. The following year, his dream of being a father came true when their son, Aram Alexander was born. He was a devoted husband and father, and he truly loved farming in the San Joaquin Valley. Philip had a nurturing heart, and he enjoyed nothing more than to walk out into the fields and appreciate the crops he sowed. Mr. Hagopian was also dedicated to serving his community. For many years, he provided goods and services, and was active in his agricultural profession. For instance, Philip served on the Madera County Planning Commission, board member for the Raisin Bargaining Association, Trustee of the Board at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, and he served his country in the United States Army. Without question, Mr. Hagopian's integrity, honor and long-lasting involvement in the raisin industry made him a reputable man; he was well known, well-liked and shown enormous appreciation by fellow farmers in the Central Valley. Philip worked hard and expected nothing in return. This same generous spirit was evident in Philip's love for his family. I am honored to join his family in celebrating the life of Philip Hagopian. His presence will be dearly missed in our community for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a man of great service and dedication. His memory will live on through his family and be remembered by many in our community. We are all better for having known Mr. Philip Hagopian, a remarkable Californian and Central Valley native.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication and success of Central Valley almond farmer, Antonio ``Tony'' Campos. Tony has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his community and to California agriculture. It is because of his service to the Central Valley that Tony Campos is being honored at the 2015 California Ag One Community Salute. Tony was born in Orondritz, Spain, a small village in the Pyrenees Mountains. As a teenager, Tony would hear of the opportunities offered in America and how one could establish a better life. When Tony was just 17 years old, he immigrated to the United States with his brothers, and settled in Caruthers, California. It was there where they first began to grow almonds and by 1981, Tony and his brothers had established their almond farm, Campos Brothers Farms Almond Huller. Today, Tony and his wife, Juliet, continue to operate Campos Brothers Farms with their three children Steven, Joseph, and Jeannine. Their commitment and enthusiasm for California agriculture and community values have not faltered. The almond industry makes significant contributions to the overall success of California's economy. It is responsible for more than $21 billion in California's economic output and adds about $11 billion to California's gross state product. The almond industry makes for an active and healthy California economy. Tony Campos and Campos Brothers Farms have done a great deal to enrich California's agriculture and economy. In addition to their dedication to California agriculture, the Campos family has also dedicated themselves to serving the community. Tony and his family support organizations such as Valley Children's Hospital, Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno, Basque Cultural Center, and Caruthers High School. Additionally, all of the proceeds raised to honor Tony at the 2015 Ag One Community Salute, will go toward establishing the Ag One- Antonio ``Tony'' Campos endowment that will support both students and programs of the Jordan College at California State University, Fresno. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my longtime friend Tony Campos in the celebration of his achievements as a Central Valley almond farmer and as the 2015 honoree at the Ag One Community Salute. It is with great pride that I thank Tony Campos for his service and lasting contributions to our community and to California agriculture.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Rosellen Kershaw who recently passed away at the age of 87. She leaves behind her loving family, including her daughter Julie, and granddaughters, Taylor and Morgan Marsoobian. Fresno County is truly indebted to Rosellen's legacy of service, integrity and love. Rosellen Kershaw was born on August 29, 1923, to Charles and Pinkie Kershaw in Fresno, California. She spent almost her entire life in the Central Valley, graduating from Fresno High School and Fresno State College. She received her Master's Degree from San Francisco State University. Rosellen taught school at the elementary, high school and college levels. However, she consistently referred to herself as a ``professional volunteer,'' having dedicated more than 50 years of her life to the causes and organizations in Fresno that she felt most passionate about. Ms. Kershaw was committed to improving her community one hour at a time. The fruits of Rosellen's labors were reflected in her involvement with local organizations and clubs, such as the Ani Guild of the California Armenian Home, of which she was a founder and board member for over 40 years. She was also President of the League of Women Voters of Fresno, California State President of American Association of University Women, Chair of the Fresno Housing and Community Development Commission, Chair of the CSUF Arts and Humanities Advisory, board member of the Fresno Regional Foundation, Secretary of the Fresno County Grand Jury, board member of the California Journal, President of the Fresno Art Museum, and President of the Friends of Fresno County Library. In addition, she was a founder and first general manager of Valley Public Radio. Among her many achievements, Rosellen received the California Rotary Paul Harris Fellow accolade, and was awarded the CSU Fresno Top Dog Award for Service. Rosellen Kershaw was an extraordinary woman with a commitment to family, friends and her community. Her service will forever be remembered by the lives she so graciously touched. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Rosellen Kershaw, a true pillar of our community who will never be forgotten.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Mary Brown, who recently passed away on August 28, 2015, at the age of 82. Mary was an extraordinary person, and she will always be remembered as a woman who lived her life with purpose and great dedication to her students, family, friends, and community. Mary Brown was the pioneer of girls' basketball in the San Joaquin Valley. She left an indelible stamp in the record books and inspired young women to fulfill their potential in athletics and academics. In 18 seasons at San Joaquin Memorial High School, she directed the girls' basketball team to a 317-45 record, highlighted by 16 league titles and eight Central Section championships. Through her impeccable coaching, the Panthers won 13 consecutive league championships from 1971 to 1983, setting a state record, and the team had 97 straight league victories; the second longest streak in state history. In 1973 she was named the Girls State Coach of the year. As a graduate of Fresno State, Mary was an exemplary community leader and gave back in ways that will not be forgotten. Her ability to motivate and inspire young women to reach their greatest potential was clearly visible in her coaching techniques. Mary has brought great pride to San Joaquin Memorial High School, and the community overall. Many of her former players consider Mary an icon and legend in sports. Her commitment to the community of Fresno will not be forgotten. All of those who knew her or played for her are truly grateful for the lasting imprint she has made in their lives as an incomparable coach and leader. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in saying farewell to a woman who embodies passion and inspiration, Ms. Mary Brown. Her genuine character and loving commitment to her friends and community will be greatly missed.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Honda, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Langevin, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Valadao to recognize the service of our good friend Nuno Brito, the Ambassador of Portugal to the United States. After four years of hard work, Ambassador Brito deserves to be commended for all of his tireless efforts to strengthen the special bond between Portugal and the United States. Born in Angola, Brito earned his degree in law from the University of Lisbon and joined the Portuguese diplomatic service shortly thereafter. He began his career with Portugal's Diplomatic Service in 1984 as part of the Americas Department. Brito first served at the Portuguese Embassy in Washington, DC, from 1987 to 1993. This time in Washington, DC, laid the foundation for his continued career as an effective statesman for the people of Portugal. Brito then served as Deputy Alternate Representative to the Security Council at the United Nations during Portugal's term as a non-permanent member for 1997/1998. Following a stint as Deputy Permanent Representative of Portugal to the United Nations, Brito also served as Political Director of Portugal and co-chair of the Portuguese-U.S. Standing Bilateral Commission. On February 23, 2011, Brito presented his credentials to President Barack Obama and expressed his desire to focus on expanding the U.S.- Portugal relationship beyond political and military cooperation to science, technology, and energy initiatives. He pursued these goals by actively engaging with the Congressional Portuguese Caucus, especially on subjects that benefitted from Portuguese expertise such as issues with Africa, the Americas, and across the Atlantic. Furthermore, Brito's experiences from the United Nations, U.S.-Portuguese Standing Bilateral Commission, Luso-Spanish Commission for Trans-border Cooperation, and other roles within Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave him an edge for practicing diplomacy and advocacy in the United States. This especially showed during Brito's work to bring understanding and cooperation to NATO maneuvers and to the operation of Lajes Field in the Azores. Brito led numerous initiatives to support and engage Portuguese- American communities throughout the United States. Earlier this year, Brito invited Portuguese-American federal, state, and local elected officials to celebrate Dia de Portugal in Washington, DC. The full day of events was a wonderful representation of not only the special relationship between our countries, but of Brito's innate ability to bring people together and raise awareness of Portuguese culture and values. Another example of Brito's leadership on behalf of Portugal is bringing IBERIAN SUITE: global arts remix to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The IBERIAN SUITE featured dozens of performances from Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking communities over a three-week period. It was an unprecedented opportunity to explore the contributions of Portuguese and Spanish cultures to the development of the arts around the world. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Honda, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Langevin, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Nunes, Mr. Valadao, and I ask our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Ambassador Nuno Brito and his many contributions to the U.S.-Portugal relationship. His dedication to fostering cooperation between American and Portuguese society is surpassed by none. It is an honor to call him a friend and we wish him the best of luck in his next position.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleagues Mr. Becerra, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Farr, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Royce, Ms. Speier, Mr. Thompson and Ms. Waters to recognize our good friend, The Honorable Michael ``Mike'' Roos, for his outstanding career, and to congratulate him on the special milestone that is his 70th birthday. Mike was born on August 6, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee. He went on to attend Christian Brothers High School and Tulane University in New Orleans before ultimately accepting a National Institute of Child Health Fellowship at the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a master's degree in public administration. During the late 1970's Mike began his legislative career, serving in the California State Assembly for over 14 years. In his second legislative term, he was chosen as Majority Floor leader by his caucus, and he served in this position for six years until he was elected Speaker Pro Tempore of the California State Assembly. Some of Mike's landmark legislative achievements include the passage of the Roberti-Roos Weapons Control Act of 1989, which banned assault weapons, as well as the Mello Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982, which afforded local government an innovative, alternate method of financing public facilities. In 1985 Mike authored the first and strictest laws to date that protect the confidentiality of HIV test results, and he also authored the law that established the pioneer Alternative Test Sites Program, where individuals could receive free anonymous testing for the AIDS antibody. Following his career in the State Assembly, Mike became the founder and Chief-consultant of Mike Roos and Company, a public affairs and management company that specializes in government relations, corporate issues, media relations, and ballot measure campaigns. Apart from his successful career as a legislator and political strategist, Mike's longstanding philanthropic service is also notable. As President and CEO of LEARN--a coalition of civic leaders and representatives--Mike worked to help implement systematic reform and restructuring of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Mike has served as Chairman of the Fraternity of Friends of the Music Center, the President of the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission, and the Campaign Director for California Children and Families Initiative-- an initiative that would go on to become the successful ballot measure known as Prop 10. Because of his experience and contributions, Mike is often asked to speak about education reform and his knowledge of California politics. Today Mike resides in Los Angeles, and enjoys spending time with his four daughters Shelby, Melissa, Caroline, and Catherine. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that Mr. Becerra, Mrs. Davis, Mr. Farr, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Royce, Ms. Speier, Mr. Thompson and Ms. Waters and I ask our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in honoring the service of Michael ``Mike'' Roos, a remarkable Californian legislative leader and public servant.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for a vote taken on the House floor today, as I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall Vote No. 486.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about an imaginary world that many of my Republicans, I believe, are living in. Peter Pan's Neverland is a place many of us think of with fond thoughts of our childhoods. It is an imaginary place where anything is possible and innocence lasts forever. Mr. Speaker, sadly, I think the House is operating under some sort of a never-never land that neither reflects our best nor our brightest. It is a Neverland in which House leaders think we can build and reconstruct bridges, roads, and highways without the funding to do so. How do you do that? It sounds like never-never land to me. How else do you explain 32 or--I forget--34 patches--short-term extensions--since the Federal authorization ran out 7 years ago, thus continuing to kick the can down the road? How is it possible to keep hard working individuals employed or to maintain the safety of our roads and transit systems if we are not providing the long-term funding to do so to match both State and local funding? It is not possible. Once again, we are going to see another patch for 2 months--kicking this can down the road. This is a never-never land that the American public is frustrated with. This is America's Congress. We can, we must, and we should do better.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chair, I rise to urge my colleagues to support the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling measure before us. This legislation, I understand, creates a great deal of angst among various supporters and opponents. We have heard that. But it also creates a uniform, science-based labeling standard. I think that is a move forward. It also creates Federal regulations for the Food and Drug Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture to remain preeminent authorities in food safety and labeling, just as it has been for decades. Additionally, it creates a national GMO-free certification program so consumers who choose to buy non-GMO foods have the ability to do so without the higher prices or the misleading labeling. This legislation does not reject consumers' rights to choose. While the opponents of this measure wish it would do other things, it does not. I think it is a balanced attempt. Furthermore, the voters of California, as many of you may know, recently, in proposition 37, had an opportunity to put in GMO labeling. Mr. Chairman, 42 percent said ``yes,'' and 58 percent of the voters of California said ``no.'' I urge we support this legislation.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, this is a very legitimate concern that my colleagues are dealing with in terms of how funds are being spent by the restoration programs and how we provide support for the efforts to provide more accountability and improve the transparency of the expenditures of the fund. I appreciate and support my colleague's amendment to improve the makeup of the advisory board, which I think is important. However, I think that adding one more waterfowl representative needs to be done to try to provide additional balance in terms of the representation of the various interests on the board. Let me finally say I represent Grasslands, a large part of Grasslands district, which is the largest part of the Pacific Flyway in terms of almost 200,000 acres of contiguous wetlands, and they have raised some issues as relates to this legislation, and we are going to work those out because, in fact, that is a very important part of the Pacific Flyway. In addition to that, the flexibility that we create in the underlying bill really is, in part, to ensure that we do provide water, even the limited water available, so that we can maintain this important habitat.

Mr. COSTA. I thank the gentlewoman. It provides additional flexibility to increase our water supply. We have to use all the water tools in the water management toolbox, and that includes increasing storage capacity, and it is about time that we began doing that. It also tries to address many of the other factors that are preventing the recovery of endangered species, like the invasive species that are the result of a lot of the decline in salmon in California. Let me quote Karen Hesse, an author of ``Out of the Dust.'' She said: ``The way I see it, hard times aren't only about money or drought or dust. Hard times are about losing the spirit and hope and what happens when dreams dry up.'' Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am here to tell you that a lot of the dreams are drying up in the people that I represent in the San Joaquin Valley. This drought is crushing their spirit, making them feel as if their dreams never become a reality and too often feel like they are the country cousin, literally and figuratively, of the two urban areas in southern California and northern California. The solution that California needs is not more talking points, but legislation working together on a bipartisan basis. This legislation starts that process. It is a work in progress. Obviously, it will be amended. It will be changed as we work with the Senate later this fall.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise for an amendment that is before the desk.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California for yielding me 2 minutes. I strongly urge my colleagues to support the Western Water and American Food Security Act that we are debating here today. Yes, we are debating this issue, and this is not new. What you have exhibited here and seen this morning is where the water fault lines lie in California, and it also is reflective of many of the Western States. This 4 years of historic drought has pointed out clearly that we have a broken water system in California. Here we are on the floor, having another debate over whether or not we are going to pass a bill to help people because, at the end of the day, these are people problems, people problems in every region of California. Nowhere have those people been more impacted than in the San Joaquin Valley, which much of us represent. These are families where parents have lost their jobs, whose children are not able to attend school. These are farmworkers, these are farm communities that have felt the most severe impact of this drought and the water constraints that we now are dealing with. My colleagues on the Democratic side argue that this is simply a cause of 4 continuous dry years, and while that is partially true, it ignores that that talking point doesn't recognize that, in fact, we have a broken water system designed for 20 million people. Communities in the San Joaquin Valley have seen their water supply reduced long term by 40 percent, and agricultural use has declined over the last 40 years because we are more efficient water users. Some, in my area, have had a zero water allocation the last 2 years. Zero, that is no water. This reduced reliability has impacted every region of the State to be sure. It has impacted large metropolitan areas like the Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, San Diego, as well as the small rural and often disadvantaged communities like those in the valley that I represent. This measure, H.R. 2898, takes a step toward addressing this longstanding imbalance by enhancing scientific management of the water projects in California and then giving it greater flexibility. It also provides additional storage.

Mr. COSTA. I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, as my colleague mentioned, this amendment updates the bill to be consistent with the memorandum of understanding between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Sites Joint Powers Authority. As has been noted by speakers on both sides, California last year came together, in a bipartisan, overwhelming way, to provide $7.5 billion for improving our water system to provide more funding for the tools in our water toolbox to provide greater reliability throughout California; $2.7 billion of that water bond measure was set aside for water storage projects. This is one of the projects that can participate in that funding. I support this effort because increased storage capacity--both surface, as well as groundwater recharge--is absolutely necessary to provide the additional resiliency and reliability in California's water system. I support the construction of Sites Reservoir, working in conjunction with increasing the supply of Shasta Reservoir, by increasing that dam, would provide additional water supply, as well as Temperance Flat, as well as the expansion of Los Vaqueros, which is underway by the Contra Costa Water District, as well as the expansion of San Luis Reservoir, which is allowed for in this legislation, as well as increased groundwater banking. All of these are part of the solution. We must expand the storage in the State to reduce the impacts of future droughts and the population growth; therefore, I support this amendment.