Jim Costa

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague Mr. Cox to honor the life of a great farmer, veteran and San Joaquin Valley native, Jack Woolf, who passed away on July 28, 2020 at the age of 102. Jack was a pioneering farmer who transformed the west side of California's San Joaquin Valley into an agricultural oasis. Jack was born on Sept. 6, 1917, along with his identical twin, Leyton, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Growing up, he enjoyed helping his family at their small dairy farm. After graduating from Peoria High School in 1935, he and his twin moved to Los Angeles and enrolled in Woodbury Business College. They obtained their business degrees in two years and graduated Magna Cum Laude. After college, Jack worked as a cotton merchandiser, but due to escalating tensions in Europe, Jack registered for the draft in early spring 1941. He joined the Army and rose to the rank as Captain. As a member of the 204th Anti-Aircraft Battalion, he landed on Omaha Beach as part of the D-Day Normandy Invasion of Europe. He received seven battle stars. He was discharged as a Major in December 1945. After a career of military service, he returned to his old job at Anderson Clayton. In 1957, he traveled to Mendota. Calif. to meet with a landowner, Russell Giffen who sold his farming operation to Anderson Clayton. This created a 30 plus year relationship that led to creating one of California's largest and most successful farming operation, Giffen Inc. In 1949, Jack met his soul mate, Bernice. A few months after they met, they decided to get married and formed a beautiful family. In 1974, Giffen retired from the farming business and asked Jack to sell all the assets. Instead. Jack decided to start his own operation, Woolf Farming Co. of California. Jack proved to be a leader and successful entrepreneur. His business grew successfully because of vision. loyalty. and passion. His military training and strong character were ingrained into who he was as a businessman and member of the community. Jack was a member of several boards and organizations including The National Cotton Council. Valley Public Television, Fresno Historical Society, Santa Clara University Board of Regents and the California Tomato Growers Association. He helped establish a graduate agribusiness program at Santa Clara University and he received an honorary doctorate degree from Fresno State. Both of these institutions offer scholarships in his honor. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of over 70 years, Bernice, his six kids: Anne Franson and husband Don, Nancy Woolf, John Woolf and wife Mary Pat, Mike Woolf and wife Shelly, Stuart Woolf and wife Lisa, Chris Woolf and wife Sarah, 24 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us in celebrating and honoring the life of Mr. Jack Woolf. Jack strode through life with purposeful steady steps, a man on his way somewhere, always moving forward. His service to his country will be remembered for many years to come. We join his family, friends and community in honoring his life and legacy.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a great marine, Vincent ``Vic'' Shuttera who passed away July 30, 2020. Vincent served in the Marine Corps at the first offensive land battle of Guadalcanal and continued his service in the Central Valley. He was a veteran, an honorable friend, a father, and a patriot in the community. VIncent was born on April 11, 1918 in Stanislaus County to Frank and Hannah Shuttera. After graduating high school, Vincent was selected for the first group of young men to take part in the Boys State program's inaugural year. After a few years of college, Vincent joined the military--a decision that would change his life. In 1943, Vincent joined the Marine Corps and became a driver of a tank destroyer with a .75 mm gun. He later joined the pistol range and became one of the top marksmen in his unit. Vincent was stationed in San Diego, then moved to Oceanside's Camp Pendleton. The unit was then transported to the island of Guadalcanal. To support the regimental and headquarters companies. Vincent served there for six months. From his view on the island, he witnessed the sinking of more than 50 war ships in Navy battles. After his duty in Guadalcanal, Vincent was ordered to New Zealand where he contracted malaria. He returned to the United States on July 3, 1943 still in poor health from malaria. He spent nearly a year in Oak Knoll hospital in Santa Cruz, California. Vincent would finish his service with the Marine Corps with an honorable discharge as Corporal Vincent Shuttera. After serving in World War II, Vincent started a family, moved to Modesto, California and started a truck driving business, where he worked with large equipment like tractors, scrapers, and bulldozers on farmland. Vincent dedicated his life to his fellow veterans and telling stories about his experiences in World War II. He was the guest speaker for Boys State, was on the Central Valley Honor Flight, in the Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 4, in the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade, and more. Vincent is survived by his sons, Steve and Mark Shuttera, and his daughter Vicki Essman. Grandchildren Michelle Launier, Sacbe Shuttera, Brian Day, Brandi Shuttera, Charlie Shuttera, and his great- grandchildren Matthew Silva, Audrey Shuttera, Gavin Launier, Autumn Day, Ahren Shuttera, Luke Launier, and Jacob Day. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and honoring the life of Mr. Vincent Shuttera. His advocacy and service to his country will be remembered for many years to come. We join his family, friends and community in honoring his great life and legacy.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the state accreditation of Madera Community College, which becomes the 116th campus of the state's community college system. It is the newest college in California. In 1958, State Center Community College District began offering classes at Madera High School with 158 students enrolled in 19 evening classes. In 1989, the Madera Community College Center was then relocated and established in a portable building at James Madison Elementary School. Throughout the years, the institution has grown and expanded by establishing buildings, laboratories, food services, large instruction classrooms, vocational training courses, certifications and offering more than 360 courses. In fall 2009, the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) was established to offer mechanic and welding programs. Recently, the college added the Center for Agriculture and Technology (CAT) which provides laboratory, vocational training programs and various agriculture programs in plant science, agriculture mechanics, industrial maintenance and welding. Because of the leadership of then Chancellor Dr. Bill F. Stewart and Vice Chancellor of External Relations Dr. Tom Crow, a donation of 114 acres was made by local landowners to establish the expanded current campus. Today, Madera Community College Center serves more than 6,123 students, with comprehensive and innovative programs in transfer/ general education, occupational education, distance learning courses, online learning and developmental education. The Center continues to provide an affordable, quality education for the residents of Madera County and nearby communities in the San Joaquin Valley. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this historical moment and the success of the Madera Community College. This could not have been possible without the dedication and contributions of their staff, faculty, administrators and community leaders. I look forward to seeing the future achievements and success of our students, the leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Liz Harrison, on the occasion of her retirement from television news after 38 years on the air. Liz has been a familiar face and name with ABC 30 in the Fresno, California community. Born and raised in Baltimore, Liz attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, before graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Broadcasting. Liz is married to Keith Allen, who works alongside her in the television news industry. Liz joined Fresno's local ABC affiliate in 1982, a time when women were underrepresented in the news industry. Throughout her career, Liz has served as co-anchor of Action News Live at 5 and at 11. She has covered nearly every type of news story and is proud to have given a voice to so many who's stories needed to be told. In 2010, Liz and photo-journalist Richard Harmelink won an Emmy Award for excellence in reporting for their story on the U.S. military training for war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Liz's passion for her work led her to take on the intern coordinator position at the station, where she trained and mentored college students as they pursued a career in television news. She has given her time to numerous organizations, including Mighty Moms Foundation, the Art of Life Cancer Foundation, and the Fresno Rescue Mission. For 38 years, Liz dedicated her career to telling the stories of the San Joaquin Valley. She has left a lasting impact on our community. Liz is dedicated to her family. She is the proud mom to five children and looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren. She is also a breast cancer survivor and a role model. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Liz Harrison on her career and retirement. I ask that you join me in wishing Liz continued success as she begins her next chapter, as the owner of a leadership, coaching and teaching business.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stress the importance of investing in programs that expand opportunities for every person in every corner of our Nation, including my district in California's San Joaquin Valley. Just last week, we passed a spending bill that will benefit our farmers, repair aging water infrastructure, help food-insecure residents from going hungry, support revitalization efforts on our public lands, and combat the climate crisis by cleaning our air. This week, we have an opportunity to make further investments in the future sustainability of our Nation. Face it, Mr. Speaker, we are living off the investments our parents and grandparents made a generation ago. The availability of a reliable supply of water is the foundation of the San Joaquin Valley's economy and, I might add, California and much of the West, which grows food that feeds the world. As we say, where water flows, food grows. We also must ensure access to clean drinking water so our communities can thrive. No one should have to worry in the richest nation in the world of having access to clean water in their homes. These bills will provide more than $100 billion to help repair the aging valley canals, such as the Delta-Mendota Canal, the Friant-Kern Canal, and the California Aqueduct, which are critical to delivering water to not only our farmers but to our valley communities. These bills would also make small, disadvantaged communities safer and healthier by providing nearly $1 billion for infrastructure repairs, communities like Dos Palos, Livingston, Fairmead, and Los Banos in the San Joaquin Valley to name but a few. It also provides more than $10 billion for clean water and drinking water State revolving funds, which are important. It matches funds and is the best use of money. We have been living off these investments, as I said, for way too long. The coronavirus pandemic has worsened Americans' food insecurity crisis as we have witnessed, but with this bill we have an opportunity to ensure hungry Americans, especially children and seniors, have access to nutritious food. For more than 50 years, hungry Americans have relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, to keep from going hungry. These are the working poor and young and old alike. Thirty-eight million Americans, including 25 percent of my constituents, depend on these programs. Throughout my time in Congress, I fought to increase funding and expand eligibility for this program, which has come under constant attack from the administration, and I don't understand it. There has never been a right time to cut support for the most vulnerable residents in our country, and doing so now certainly is not righteous in dealing with this worldwide pandemic. The package also includes significant funding for agriculture research programs to help mitigate crop diseases, eradicate invasive species like the navel orange worm, and also has cost billions of dollars in California's agriculture economy. In addition, we need to do more for farmworkers' safety, people who are working in partnership with farmers to, every day, put food on America's dinner table, as well as for our packing sheds and our food processing facilities. The climate crisis is having an unquestionable impact on the planet. This bill makes significant investments to preserve America's landscapes and prevent the worst impacts of climate change. California's San Joaquin Valley, unfortunately, has some of the worst air in the Nation. By providing $450 billion in grant funding for the Diesel Emission Reduction Act, this bill will help replace and retrofit emission diesel fuels for cleaner burning options to help clean our air. These DERA grants have already removed dozens of air-polluting vehicles from our valley roads, creating immediate and tangible results. I have worked for decades to improve our air quality and remain committed to finding resources to improve our environment and reduce pollution. In California, sadly, we have wildfires that have caused incredible destruction and hardship to California's mountain communities. There are estimated to be more than 100 million dead trees in the State from multiple causes. This spending bill will provide nearly $6 billion to help maintain our forests and fight deadly fires. We must do more to manage our fires and prevent devastating fires. This bill will help us do just that. That is why these appropriations bills are so important. Finally, it makes strong investments in our nature preservation, wildlife conservation, and ecological protections by providing $500 million to support areas like San Luis National Wildlife Refuge near Los Banos, the important refuge area for the Pacific Flyway between Canada and Mexico, an important wildlife refuge. This spending bill prioritizes public health and safety, invests in our aging infrastructure, protects the environment, and prepares us for a brighter future. I am proud to vote for it, and I urge my colleagues to do the same in a bipartisan fashion. Finally, we must also pass a bipartisan version of the HEROES Act for all the right reasons, which is contained in that legislation: for our States, for our counties, for our cities, for those who work there, for our healthcare workers, for further testing, and to create a safety net for American agriculture. I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to do that as well. We must work together during this pandemic that is affecting all of our country and the entire world.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Liz Harrison, on the occasion of her retirement from television news after 38 years on the air. Liz has been a familiar face and name with ABC 30 in the Fresno, California community. Liz, a native of Virginia, attended the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, before graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Broadcasting. Liz is married to Keith Allen, who works alongside her in the television news industry. Liz joined Fresno's local ABC affiliate in 1982, a time when women were underrepresented in the news industry. Throughout her career, Liz has served as co-anchor of Action News Live at 5 and at 11. She has covered nearly every type of news story and is proud to have given a voice to so many who's stories needed to be told. In 2010, Liz and photo journalist Richard Harmelink won an Emmy Award for excellence in reporting for their story on the U.S. military training for war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Liz's passion for her work led her to take on the intern coordinator position at the station, where she trained and mentored college students as they pursued a career in television news. She has given her time to numerous organizations, including Mighty Moms Foundation, the Art of Life Cancer Foundation, and the Fresno Rescue Mission. For 38 years, Liz dedicated her career to telling the stories of the San Joaquin Valley. She has left a lasting impression on our community. Liz is dedicated to her family. She is the proud mom to five children and looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren. She is also a breast cancer survivor and a role model. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Liz Harrison on her career and retirement. I ask that you join me in wishing Liz continued success as she begins her next chapter, as the owner of a leadership, coaching and teaching business.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Madelyn Marie ``Midge'' Panozzo Seymour on the special occasion of her 90th birthday. Midge has dedicated her life to her beloved family and the betterment of her community. Midge was born into a large Italian family in the Roseland District of Chicago's South Side. From a young age, Midge learned the importance of political and social advocacy, in part from her father, Anthony Panozzo, a local ward boss. This would go on to shape the direction of her life. While attending Stephens College, Midge met the love of her life, Dennis Seymour at a party in St. Louis, Missouri. Soon after, they married and would become the proud parents of six children. Their loving marriage and partnership are an example for many today. After 66 years of marriage, they continue to lead a life of love and happiness in Escondido, California. Madelyn's greatest joy in life are her children. Her loving and nurturing ways not only impacted her own children, but every child that entered her life. Her children proudly say that to call Midge ``the best mother ever'' would be an understatement. Every child that entered Midge's life was shown the same attentiveness, as if they were one of her own. She would be a mother figure to her children's friends and make sure they were well taken care of. Not only did Midge help young children in different capacities, but she committed her life to promoting literacy. She would mentor young people on reading, and supported victims/survivor' services across the nation. For the past 50 years, Dennis and Midge have donated to important causes that benefit children. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Madelyn Marie ``Midge'' Panozzo Seymour's 90th birthday. I wish Midge, her husband Dennis and their family continued health and happiness.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the escalating violence that is occurring in the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Beginning July 12, the Azeri soldiers approached the Armenian border, a place that has been one of contention, and opened fired on Armenian civilians in the Tavush Province. Since then, the conflict, sadly, has escalated. The Azeri armed forces have been indiscriminate in attacking Armenian schools and factories, factories producing personal protective equipment that is essential during this pandemic. Azerbaijan must be held accountable. In the midst of this global pandemic, where supplies and resources are already stretched, it is critical now more than ever that we work toward peace with Artsakh. We must reevaluate the U.S. security assistance to Azerbaijan immediately--they are not being appropriate in their actions--as well as increase aid to Armenia to counter Azeri aggression. In the appropriations bill yesterday, a $20 million augmentation was made to the country of Armenia. I urge my colleagues to support that and urge immediate action condemning Azerbaijan's disgraceful actions.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his efforts to bring this legislation to the House floor. I rise today to speak on the Great American Outdoors Act and the importance of this legislation and why we should move on a bipartisan effort to pass it. This bill tackles a tremendous deferred maintenance backlog on public lands, including our national parks, our treasures, the great American national parks. This funding will contribute towards making our parks safe and enhance the recreational access, such as the great Yosemite National Park, the crown jewel in California, as well as Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks and many others--not only in California, but across our Nation--that are part of America's heritage and a part of our lasting legacy for future generations to come. This bill funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund annually at $900 million and creates a $9.5 billion fund for deferred maintenance on public lands. We are way in arrears in terms of deferred maintenance that we need to do not only for our national parks, but for our public lands. That is why this is so important. Let me respond to the issue of our deficit. Our deficit is a problem. I am a Blue Dog. But let's be clear. After 16 years here, I have come to the conclusion that trying to address incremental issues as they relate to our national deficit is not going to get us there. Until Republicans are willing to address the issues of revenues and Democrats are willing to address the issues of expenditures together and jump off that cliff holding hands to balance revenues and expenditures, we are just not going to get there. Okay? So we should not use that as an excuse not to do what we should do for today's generation and future generations. The creation of this permanent funding highlights the need for Congress to address the deferred maintenance backlog. I will admit that we are not doing more to provide funding for our aging Federal water infrastructure that also needs to be invested on. So let me close. Let's take the moment of this bipartisan success to redouble our efforts to address the need for maintenance on federally owned projects.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend, Ms. Alex Delgado, on the occasion of her retirement from television news after 22 years at Fresno County's news station KSEE24. Alex has been a staple in homes across the Central Valley and will be greatly missed. Alex was born in Mexico City, Mexico and lived in Chicago and Texas, before relocating to the Central Valley. Her journalism career at KSEE 24 began in 1998. Alex has dedicated her career to ensuring the Central Valley's residents are informed and their stories are told. In 2004, she launched a 4 o'clock news segment, as solo anchor and continued to contribute to late-night newscasts. Three years later, Alex started the Valley's first live community lifestyle program, Central Valley Today. In 2019, Alex returned to the news desk as the anchor for KSEE24's morning program, Sunrise. Along with her award-winning journalism career, Alex has found time to give back to her community. Alex has helped host the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade for many years and served on the local board of the American Red Cross. Her many awards include being named Business Street's Top 40 Under 40, a Top 100 Most Influential Women, and an EMMY Award for her work. For 26 years, Alex has put her time and energy into bettering the community. She is a mother to two, cares for her family, and still has time to help those in need in the community. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Alex Delgado on her career as an award-winning journalist. I ask that you join me in wishing Alex and her family continued success, health and happiness in this new chapter of her life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Mr. Rufus Hernandez, Jr., who passed away on April 19, 2020. Rufus was a longtime Fresno community leader and veteran of the Merchant Marines and Air Force, who dedicated his life to helping others. Rufus was born on February 12, 1927 in Roseville, California. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines and served as a mariner seaman on the William N. Byers Liberty Ship in 1945 and the SS Monroe Victory Ship from 1945 to 1946 during World War II. His duties included lookout, cargo transfer, and deckhand. Rufus volunteered to navigate the ship through a foreign port and channels when there was no pilot available to navigate. After his time in the Merchant Marines, Rufus joined the Air Force in 1948 until his service ended in 1952. He served in the 7th Air Division and volunteered for photography training which took him to Denver, South Dakota, and England. He earned the rank of staff sergeant and ran the photography department along with training new recruits. After his military career, Rufus became a restaurateur and a bank executive. He most enjoyed being a father to his six children and later, a grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed spending his time with his fellow veteran friends and was involved in the American Legion. He was honored as Grand Marshall in 2014 Central Valley Veterans Day Parade, representing the Merchant Marines. For many years, Rufus participated in the Central Valley Veterans Day Parade and enjoyed being around veterans who loved their country just as much as he did. Rufus is preceded in death by his father, Rufus Hernandez, Sr., mother, Sarah Hernandez (Morales), and his two brothers, Robert and Michael Hernandez. He is survived by his children, daughter Catherine Hernandez, daughter Cheryl Walter and son-in-law Marty Walter, daughter Teresa Smith and son-in-law Doug Smith, daughter Sandra Bettencourt and son- in-law Jeff Bettencourt, son Richard Hernandez and daughter-in-law Sol Fernandez, daughter Elizabeth (Lizzie) Ahrens; and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Rufus Hernandez, Jr. His commitment to his country and dedication to the Central Valley has left an impact. I join his family and friends in honoring his great life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Floyd White, Sr., who passed away on April 1, 2020 at the age of 90. He was a well-known advocate in the Fresno, California community and a role model for many in the Central Valley. A true trailblazer, Floyd and his brother James were the first African American fire fighters in the City of Fresno. Floyd White, Sr. was born in Oklahoma; he and his family moved to Fresno, California when he was young. He excelled in sports and academics at Edison High School and Fresno City College, playing football and running track and field. Floyd was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War and earning the rank of Sergeant. On September 1, 1954, Floyd White, Sr. and brother, James White made history as the first African American firefighters in the City of Fresno. Floyd would make history as Fresno's very first African American Fire Chief. Throughout his career, he fought for equal rights, higher education, and fair employment for all. Floyd won a historic lawsuit against the City of Fresno for racial discrimination alongside Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, then Commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. During his time in the force, he was mentor to young African American fire fighters and made sure they had an ally to turn to. He truly had a passion for standing up for what is right and helping others during times of need. Floyd dedicated much of his time to the community he loved dearly. He was an honorary Deacon of Saint Rest Baptist Church and was past Commander of the American Legion Post 511. Floyd was a lifetime member of The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and an Eternal member with Highest Honors of the 33rd Degree Free Masons Raisin City Lodge Number Five. Following his retirement from the Fresno Fire Department, Floyd was sure to stay busy. He became a business owner, worked as a corrections officer, substitute teacher and bus driver. He is survived by his beloved wife, Whelma Jean White; sons Floyd L. White, Jr. and Cedric W. White, Sr.; and daughters Carolyn J. White, Jennifer L. White, Rae L. White and Donzetta White Hale. He also leaves behind his brother James Porter White, sister-in-law Joyful White, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and loving friends. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Mr. Floyd White, Sr. I join his family, friends, and the community in celebrating his great life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the physician shortage in the United States, and our need to act swiftly for the future. If this pandemic has taught us one thing, that is the need to have an adequate number of physicians throughout our country. The current health crisis has emphasized the importance of making those kinds of investments in our healthcare system. Earlier this month, the House passed the HEROES Act. I incorporated legislation that I had introduced that would expand medical education in underserved areas, like the San Joaquin Valley, that I represent. This legislation is critical to addressing the doctor shortages today and tomorrow in our country. In January, I introduced the Expanding Medical Education Act. That is what we need to do. I am pleased that my colleagues in the House supported this effort and included it in the HEROES Act. These are our heroes. As negotiations for the next coronavirus relief bill continue, I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act, to recognize the importance of this issue. Do not delay. The need to enhance our healthcare capacity has never ever been more apparent. As a result of COVID-19, we need doctors today, we need doctors tomorrow, and we need a part of our entire healthcare system to rebuild it, to invest in it. Those are the kind of investments we need to make. I will continue to fight for every dollar to ensure that our Valley residents have access to the healthcare they deserve.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Mr. TJ Cox to honor and pay tribute to the life of local artist Margaret Hudson, who passed away on February 2, 2020 at the age of 93. Her iconic clay sculptures of California wildlife and young children were loved for generations. Margaret Metzler was born to David and Sadie Metzler in Fresno, California. From a young age, Margaret enjoyed spending time outdoors with animals at her parent's home in Fresno's Old Fig Garden neighborhood. She and her family also loved hiking and camping, especially in Sequoia National Park. Her appreciation of the Central Valley's beautiful landscape grew from a young age, which would later influence her art. Margaret attended college in New England and studied art and theology. She would go on to serve as a missionary in Japan for several years. Margaret met and married her husband Gilbert Hudson in 1955 and shortly after moved to South Korea as missionaries. Gilbert taught physics, and Margaret taught English, at the University of Daegu. They had four sons in South Korea and lived there until 1967. After returning to the United States, the Hudson family lived in various parts of the country. Her love for art blossomed when living in New York, where she first began to experiment with materials such as decaying barn wood and automotive trims. In Maryland, she began working with red clay. Margaret finally found her style of art in red clay and began sculpting from her memories of South Korea. In 1968, the family moved to Coalinga, California, but after her husband became ill with Valley Fever, they moved to Fresno to be closer to family. Margaret realized after Gilbert's recovery that she would need to help support the family financially. In 1972, she decided to open a business, Earth Art's Studio and became one of the first female arts entrepreneurs in Fresno. In 1988, Margaret lost her father, son, and mother within one year. She used art as her therapy and created pieces that were much larger than her original work. After 20 years of working with clay, Margaret attended Fresno City College to expand her artistic abilities to include paint. In 1992, she went to London and Paris and was inspired to paint on canvas. That same year, Margaret held her first art show. Margaret's artwork is a fixture throughout the Central Valley. Her ``Mama Bear'' sculpture is displayed at Valley Children's Hospital, and several pieces are located at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Her clay sculptures are a staple in homes all over the county. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us in recognizing the life of Margaret Hudson. Her artwork continues to inspire and is a cherished part of life in the valley. We join her family, friends, and members of the community in honoring her great life.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, the HEROES Act legislation is vital to the health of the San Joaquin Valley and throughout the country by providing funding for much-needed medical education. It provides funding to protect farmers and farmworkers and our food supply chain that has been turned upside down. Ag markets have shrunk, and for some, they have entirely disappeared. We need to provide support to ensure a true safety net is in place for American agriculture. Our food supply is truly a national security issue. This has never been more evident than during this healthcare crisis. I stand ready to work with my colleagues in both the House and the Senate to arrive at a bipartisan compromise.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, every March, we honor the extraordinary contributions of women who have shaped our Nation's history and those who continue to pave the way for the next generation. This year also marks the 100th year since the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. Think about it, just in the last 100 years. Our Nation is now going on 245 years old. A century later, the women who have done so much for our country throughout our Nation's entire history continue to make a difference. I am proud, today, to say that I serve with a record number of women in Congress as we continue to fight for issues that are so important: equal pay, reproductive freedom, and so much more. Mr. Speaker, as we use this opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who have changed the world in your life and in my life, I would like to pay tribute to an iconic woman, an artist in my home of Fresno, California, Margaret Hudson. Ms. Hudson passed away last month, but her legacy lives on in her clay sculptures of California wildlife that can be seen on display throughout the valley. It is incredible work. From a young age, Margaret loved to spend time outdoors hiking in such places as Sequoia National Park. Her appreciation for the beautiful landscape of the Central Valley would later influence so much of her artwork that we enjoy today. She attended college in New England and served as a missionary in Japan and South Korea for several years. Her love for art blossomed years later, when she began sculpting from memories of her time in South Korea. She became one of the first female art entrepreneurs in Fresno when she opened up her own studio in 1972. Through the years, Margaret expanded her interest in the arts to painting and held many of her own art shows to display her work and to encourage young artists such as herself, especially women. Margaret's artwork is a fixture throughout the Central Valley, with permanent works on display at our Valley Children's Hospital and Fresno Chaffee Zoo. Her work continues to inspire us, and I think it is a reflection of her appreciation and respect for the natural beauty and landscapes that we have in California and throughout our country. Certainly, the Sierra Nevada and the San Joaquin Valley were among many of the reflections and renderings of the creation of the art that she was so proud of and that we so much enjoy today. So I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and the contributions of Margaret Hudson. Her artwork continues to inspire and is cherished as a part of all of those who know it and who enjoy it. God bless you, Margaret. You made a difference.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, regrettably, I was unable to attend the vote series for March 3, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 81, H. Res. 387, Condemning continued violence against civilians by armed groups in the Central African Republic and supporting efforts to achieve a lasting political solution to the conflict, and Yea on Roll Call No. 82, H.R. 4508, Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my cousin Franklin (Frank) Delano Roza on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Frank is a beloved husband, grandfather and friend to many. Franklin (Frank) Delano Roza was born on January 30, 1950 to Georgina Cardoso Roza and Manuel J. Roza. Frank is the 5th son and youngest child in a family of 6 children. As he shares a birthday with his parent's favorite politician President Franklin D. Roosevelt, he was named in his honor. Frank attended American Union Elementary School, Hamilton Middle School and Fresno High School. After graduating Fresno High School in 1967, he attended classes at Fresno City College and served in the United States Army. In 1974, Frank began working for Pacifica Gas and Electric Company. He was eventually assigned to Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in Avila Beach, California and worked there until his retirement in 2006. Even after his retirement, he continued to go back and work outages several times a year. In 1983, Frank married the love of his life Yvonne, and they have lived on the Central California Coast for more than 40 years. Through this marriage, Frank has one stepson and daughter-in-law Josh and Becky Sexton of Coalinga, and is a grandfather to three beautiful granddaughters. Frank is the Roza family's most prolific traveler. As a young man, he backpacked across Europe and explored Canada. His travels include Central America, South America, Europe, the Azores Islands, and Hawaii. Frank is also an avid cyclist who has crossed the United States twice, from West to East and East to West, while raising money for the Alzheimer Association in honor of his mother who succumbed to the disease. When Frank is not traveling, he is golfing. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Franklin Delano Roza as he celebrates his 70th birthday. I ask that you join me in wishing Frank continued health and happiness.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Don Peracchi, whose term as president of the Westlands Water District has come to an end. Don Peracchi was born and raised by second generation Northern Italian immigrants in Fresno, California and attended California State University, Fresno. He comes from a family of farmers, working in Central California for over 100 years. Don's farming experience started in 1982 in Westlands, south of Three Rocks, California. He grows almonds, wine grapes, and pomegranates alongside his two sons and daughter. He has been heavily involved in career-related board positions, including banking, insurance, agriculture and water. He served as a director of Westlands since 2008 and was elected president in 2011. Don served on the Valley Children's Hospital Foundation Board and has been actively involved with the Fresno Catholic Diocese. He chaired for the Step Forward campaign for San Joaquin Memorial High School for their new science wing and library. As president of the largest public irrigation district in the United States, Don worked to promote more transparency and better decision- making. He helped develop a steady water supply to farms in Fresno and Kings counties, integral for farming. Under Don's leadership, the district negotiated revisions to the Coordinated Operations Agreement, converting the district's water service contract to a repayment contract, and developed a groundwater sustainability plan. Don crafted immediate solutions and worked directly with members of both the House of Representatives and Senate to find pragmatic solutions that benefit the state of California. For example, he assisted with the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act), which helped improve the nation's drinking water infrastructure. Without a doubt, Don Peracchi has made a big impact on resolving California water issues. Tom Birmingham, the general manager of the district, commends Peracchi for leading the district through difficult times, including the drought and regulatory that severely reduced water supply in Central California. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the service of Mr. Don Peracchi and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my cousin Anthony Eugene ``Gene'' Roza on the special occasion of his 80th birthday. Gene is a beloved husband, father and friend to many. Anthony Eugene ``Gene'' Roza was born on January 24, 1940 to Georgina Cardoso Roza and Manuel J. Roza. In 1950, the Roza family moved to Fresno, California where Gene attended American Union Elementary School and Washington Union High School. Gene graduated high school in 1957 and began attending classes at Fresno Junior College until 1960 when he enlisted in the United States Navy. He continued to serve for another four years until his honorable discharge in 1964. Gene began working for Pacific Telephone in 1966, owned by AT&T, until 1990 when he retired. After retiring, he began his second career in real estate sales. During his time working for telephone companies, he was a union representative. Additionally, he has worked on behalf of Senior Citizens issues through the California Alliance for Retired Americans at the local and state level. Gene was also a frequent contributor to the editorial page of the Fresno Bee. Gene is a loving family man and there is nothing he will not do for his family. Gene and his wife Mary Lou have been married for 28 years. Gene's family include his five children: Ernie, Tony, Damien, Terri and Kristi; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Gene as he celebrates his 80th birthday. I ask that you join me in wishing Gene continued health and happiness.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Anne Louise Lopez Gaston, who passed away on February 17, 2020. Anne was a lifelong resident of west Fresno and was actively involved in the community, volunteering her time for many causes. Anne was born on July 9, 1951 in Fresno, California to Howard Lopez and Estella Pearson Lopez. Anne was a cosmetologist by profession, but she spent much of her time volunteering for causes that were close to her heart. Anne was involved with numerous ministries including, the West Side Church of God, Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, a ministry volunteer at the Chowchilla Women's Prison, Missionary Mary Circle at 2nd Baptist Church, Jacob's Well-a Jesus Ministry, West Fresno Ministerial Alliance, and Component Choir Northern California Chapter. Anne has also volunteered as Past Vice President of Black Political Council, was a lifelong member of the NAACP, served on the Martin Luther King Unity Committee for the City of Fresno and much more. Anne married Richard Damaree Gaston and the two were married for 32 years at the time of her passing. They were deeply committed to each other and loved serving their community. Together they were the proud godparents to I'sonn Wright, Cesar Chavez, and Donte Demery. They were also Big Brother and Big Sister to DeShawna Porter. Anne is preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Estella Lopez, and brother Donald Demery. She is survived by her husband Richard Demaree Gaston, brothers and sister-in-law Don and Margie Lockett, brother and sister-in-law, Everett and Gail Gaston, sister-in-law Theresa Demery; nieces and nephews, Heather, Summer, Christopher, Marla, Monica, Candy, Donte, and many more beloved friends. She is survived by her four-legged children that she loved very much. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating the life of Fresno community member Anne Louise Lopez Gaston. I join her family and friends in celebrating her life and service to others.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, regrettably, I was unable to attend the vote series for March 2, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 79, H.R. 5003, Fair Debt Collection Practices, and Yea on Roll Call No. 80, H.R. 2115, Public Disclosure of Drug Discounts Act.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional veteran in my hometown of Fresno, California, Albert Henderson. In this photo, Albert Henderson and I are here at the veterans home in Fresno, a wonderful facility that provides a continuum of care for those men and women who served our Nation over the years. Albert has an incredible story. He is one of the last living survivors of the USS Bismarck Sea, which sank 75 years ago this month during a World War II battle on the island of Iwo Jima. We all know of that historic battle that took place on Iwo Jima. His is a story of survival, and it is a remarkable one. He joined the Navy as a cook at the age of 17. After learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor, like many Americans who decided to selflessly do everything they could to protect our country, he began his military journey on the USS Bismarck Sea as a chef second class, where he often speaks of the difficulties of preparing food for such a large group of folks. As the ship made its way to the Philippines in 1944, its fate was sealed when it was struck by two Japanese kamikaze pilots. In the kitchen at the time of the attack, Albert made it topside only to discover that all the life rafts and preservers were taken by other members of the crew. He spent more than 4 hours struggling to stay afloat in the choppy waters of the Pacific Ocean, praying for God's help to survive after being rescued by a passing U.S. Navy motorboat. For his services and injuries, Albert was awarded the Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues today to join me in recognizing an American hero for this remarkable moment in history for a remarkable man over 75 years ago. Albert, we thank you for your sacrifice and your courage to our Nation. God bless. Facing Coronavirus Challenges

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the challenges facing our country and the world with the recent outbreak of the coronavirus. This disease presents a serious threat that I think requires a proactive approach in a bipartisan fashion. Unfortunately, the mechanisms put in place by the previous administration, the Obama administration, to deal with pandemics like this have been dismantled over the last year. They were put in place to deal with the Ebola crisis and the SARS crisis years ago and to ensure that in the future, if possible pandemics occurred, we would be prepared. In 2018, the President fired the entire pandemic response team. In the President's 2021 budget request, he proposed cutting over $700 million to the Centers for Disease Control. Hopefully, this proposal will be dead on arrival. In the face of this crisis, this is simply unacceptable. We need to be on guard. The social and economic impacts of this pandemic could be devastating globally, but the public health crisis affects all Americans. We have just had the first case, in the last 24 hours, in northern California that, it is believed, the cause, the origin, is from here in our country, not coming from China. We require a robust response. The Congress and the President need to work together in a bipartisan fashion to ensure the well-being, public health, and safety of the American people. Hopefully, the President of the United States' press conference yesterday reflects the administration's intent to work together. We need to. I am committed to joining my colleagues to ensure that we have an effective strategy in place to protect all Americans' health and safety from this potentially deadly pandemic virus, otherwise known as coronavirus. We need to be on guard. We need to do everything we can to protect the American people.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Paredes on his 100th birthday. Mr. Paredes is an upstanding World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor Survivor who I am proud to represent in Washington. Mr. Paredes was born on February 15, 1920 in Douglas, Arizona and enlisted in the Army on May 5, 1941. After basic training, he was sent to Pearl Harbor, where he was on the morning of Sunday, December 7, 1941. Mr. Paredes was heading to mass when the attack began and ran to the first anti- aircraft gun he could find and manned it until the attack was over, managing to shoot down at least one plane. Mr. Paredes was then sent to Australia where he volunteered to be the nose gunner on a B25 that was shot down at sea near Port Moresby. Once rescued, he was sent to Cairns, Australia and later to Owens Stanley Range, New Guinea, where he participated in the Kokoda Track Campaign and Battle of Buna-Gona with the 7th Division, 32 Infantry. Later, Mr. Paredes joined the 2nd Engineer Special Brigade from September to October 1943, where he was wounded transporting troops to and from Scarlett Beach. After being attached to the Navy and stationed near Vella Lavella Island in 1943, Mr. Paredes participated in the Battle of Tarawa, and given a cyanide pill to be taken if captured. He was later sent to his final combat station in the Philippines and discharged in September 1945. In 1959, Mr. Paredes married his wife Artemisa and had four kids, eventually settling down in Atwater in the 1970s, working for many years as a bricklayer. Though his wife passed away in 2007, Mr. Paredes remains proud of the family he started with her and now has many grandchildren, great, and great-great grandchildren. Since retiring from the bricklayers' union in the 1980s, Mr. Paredes has remained civically engaged. He is a member of Merced Elks Lodge No. 1240 and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he still serves as the bugler in the honor guard. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the exceptional life of Frank Paredes on his 100th birthday. I wish him and his family the best as they celebrate 100 years of a gentleman that has made a difference and truly exemplifies the values of duty, honor, and country.