Jim Costa

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of Wasco on the celebration of their 100th anniversary. The birth of the town of Wasco dates back to 1897, when the Santa Fe Railroad laid tracks through the area. Soon after, over 300 families relocated there through the efforts of Marshall V. Hartranft, who secured land for resale to the settlers from the Kern County Land Company. This effort was known as the ``Fourth Home Extension Colony.'' Originally named ``Dewey,'' then ``Deweyville,'' Wasco was renamed by William Bonham, a settler from Wasco County in Oregon, and the town name was recorded by the Post Office in 1900. In 1904 Delta-Shamrock School was born serving as a multi-purpose institution including a school, a civic center and a welcoming place for settlers who arrived in 1907. A few years later, a business district was born which included a depot, a general store, a post office, two saloons, a blacksmith shop and a hotel. Eventually, the school was renamed ``The Wasco School'' and, in 1919, it became the Wasco Unified School District. In 1929, the Wasco Union High School Auditorium was completed. This architectural gem was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The building, with its renaissance style architecture and aesthetic charm, still functions as a venue for educational, civic, and cultural purposes. The City of Wasco has since flourished into a growing and vibrant community located in the heart of the most diversified agricultural region in the world. Wasco is nestled among blooming rose fields, almond and pistachio orchards, sugar beets, grapes, and white cotton fields among many other fruits and vegetables. Wasco is also universally known as the Rose Capital of the Nation. Over 60 percent of all roses grown in the United States are grown in the Wasco area. Seven major rose companies grow more than 50 million plants in the North Kern County area. Rose companies were looking for a good climate, the right kind of soil, good land to lease, a desirable growing season, as well as an available labor force and water. Wasco has been home to many of these rose companies for over 50 years. The history of this city further demonstrates that it is only by embracing the importance of community, cooperation and shared vision that such success can be achieved. I am honored to stand and shine a spotlight on the City of Wasco, as they celebrate a century of pride and progress.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the memory of my good friend, Jeanine Armstrong of Clovis, California. Jeanine was a loving wife, mother, and a dedicated member of the community who approached her work with an upbeat attitude and spirit that was an inspiration to us all. Her passing is a sad loss for the community of Clovis and Fresno. Jeanine is remembered by all who knew her as an active participant in the political process, the Democratic Party, and a passionate supporter of the community of Clovis, California. She is well-known for her commendable service to the public and as a champion of the arts and public television. Jeanine worked closely with her friend, the late Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles, to secure the 1984 summer Olympic Games in California. She also organized the Youth Olympics and numerous public television projects. Jeanine served on the board of the Fresno Junior Museum, where she stressed the importance of the arts for poverty stricken populations. Jeanine is survived by her husband for life of 52 years Harry Armstrong, their three children, Thomas, Jim and Megan; her 6 grandchildren, Kelsey Joan-Marie Armstrong, Brittney Armstrong, David Armstrong, Kathleen Armstrong, James Armstrong and Audrey Armstrong; her five stepgrandchildren, Arthur Wille, Maya Wille, Ashley Hatter, Jon Hatter and Randy Hatter; and one great-grandchild, Lynn Ann Armstrong. My heart goes out to Jeanine's husband Harry, her family and friends. We take comfort in knowing that future generations will benefit from her vision and leadership and that her spirit continues through the lives of the people she so graciously touched.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman Rahall, Chairman Dingell and other committee chairmen, along with the Speaker, for developing this important, far-reaching bill to address many of the pressing needs to cut our dependence on foreign oil and gas. There are many provisions in this legislation, and we know this legislation is a work in progress, but I would like to point out an important protection the bill affords for the Roan Plateau in Colorado. These protections are of great importance to Congressmen Salazar and Udall, as well as the people of Colorado and the Nation. The Roan Plateau is also, though, as was suggested by our colleague from New Mexico, a highly important source of natural gas supply to the Nation and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Mr. Salazar gives us an opportunity to address both issues. The language in the bill specifies that the restrictions on the drilling are prospective only and do not apply to private drilling activities. It does not apply to roads, rights-of-way access to privately held land or production. Nor does it apply to pipelines and infrastructure needed to transport natural gas across BLM land to access stem pipelines to transport the gas to the rest of the United States. Roan area gas is of immense importance to the Nation, with an estimated 9 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves. California, my State, gets 24 percent of its natural gas from the Rocky Mountains, clean- burning natural gas which today is the fuel du jour. California is struggling, obviously, to come into compliance with clean air standards. This supply of natural gas is important. Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, this does provide new energy sources, solar power, and renewable sources. I want to thank Chairman Rahall and Congressman Salazar for their amendment.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Poe-Costa- Moore amendment to the CJS Appropriations Act. The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fund was created by Congress in 1984 to provide Federal support to Federal, State, tribal and local programs that assist victims of crime. And this fund is derived entirely from fines and penalties paid by offenders at the Federal level, not taxpayer revenues. VOCA funds several important national programs, such as the Children's Justice Act, Victim Notification System, and the U.S. Attorney's office. It also funds Victim Compensation Grants that provide funds to states to reimburse victims for out-of-pocket expenses, primarily medical costs and lost wages. Finally, Victim Assistance Grants to states are also funded through VOCA. These grants go to States which support direct victim assistance services. It is estimated that 4,400 agencies depend on continued VOCA Victim Assistance Grant funding to serve 3.8 million victims a year. Congress began setting a cap in the appropriations process on the amount dispersed to States annually from the Fund in order to ensure stable funding for victim service providers in the field. Both the House and the Senate CJS subcommittees have included a $625 million cap for FY 2008. This would be the fifth year in a row without an increase in the total VOCA cap. Due to increasing claims, VOCA Compensation Grants rose $22.3 million in FY07 and are expected to rise by at least $5.6 million in FY08. The Poe-Costa Amendment will increase the VOCA cap by $10 million in FY 2008 to help prevent cuts to VOCA Victim Assistance Grants. Crime victims are our sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, parents and neighbors who are struggling to survive in the aftermath of crime. They deserve services, and our support to help them cope. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important amendment.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Chairman, I want to thank you and the ranking member and the members of the committee for the hard work on a bipartisan basis that really produced, I think, a good product. Unfortunately, I have to rise against the Kind amendment, not because it does involve reform, but I think it involves reform in a way that uses a meat ax and does not provide transition for American farmers, something I think I know something about. You see, I represent a third-generation farm family that has been farming in the San Joaquin Valley since the turn of the 19th, early 20th century. What this bill does, what this amendment does, if it were to be enacted, is not provide the level of nutrition or research and competitiveness for food safety and conservation that the underlying bill has, which is why I support the underlying bill, because it provides real reform. It provides nutrition. It provides the efforts to make American farmers more competitive on a global basis with global markets, provides reform in a host of areas. Ladies and gentlemen, I urge that you vote for the underlying bill. Vote against the Kind amendment.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the distinguished public service of Brent Holbrook. After nearly 40 years with the U.S. Department of Treasury--Internal Revenue Service, IRS, he retired this past June. During his tenure, Brent worked at the IRS Fresno Service Center. Here, he steadily advanced in various staff positions to finally become a Supervisor. He then managed a large team of analysts, agents, and auditors improving the efficiency of processing Federal and State tax returns. I have had the pleasure of working with Brent frequently and his dedication to the community is to be commended. In 1999, Brent was selected as the Governmental Liaison for California's San Jose Area and the Central Valley. In this position, he worked with the three California State tax agencies on compliance and customer service projects. He also served as the IRS Liaison for 11 congressional offices, providing them with IRS news and information, while answering constituent inquiries on general tax law. As his tenure with the IRS ends, Brent will be remembered as an example to staff throughout the Federal Government for his outstanding ability to work closely and effectively with government officials. Throughout his career at the IRS, Brent Holbrook has proven to be a highly effective administrator who was always committed to excellence in public service. As he gets ready to spend much more time with his wife Linda, I wish him much continued success and best of luck for the future.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 2956, the Responsible Redeployment from Iraq Act. Now, certainly this measure is part of an ongoing effort to try to bring comprehensive change. We do have a vested interest in the Middle East as we are engaged in this war on terror throughout the world. Notwithstanding that fact, though, for 6 years, our administration has had a blank check in Iraq, and that war on terror, and unfortunately, I think, by any critical evaluation, at best it has been bungled. At worst, we have made a mess of things. The previous Congresses have left little to be desired in terms of real oversight. With unlimited resources, we have complicated our relations with the Middle East, and it's unfortunate for our country. It seems for every step forward, we take a step back. This legislation, then again, is another effort to begin a new direction, which will protect our interests in the Middle East and begin to develop a plan to bring our troops home. What is lacking in this legislation though is a requirement for the President to tell us how we are going to, in fact, stabilize the areas with all the diplomatic resources available to us and our allies throughout the world in this region. Nonetheless, under the current circumstances, this legislation, I believe, is the next logical step. Clearly, doing more of the same continues to risk precious lives of American men and women in uniform, not to mention our Treasury, with little responsiveness, unfortunately and cooperation from the Iraqi Government. Hopefully, this legislation will allow the administration to engage and work with us for constructive change that the American people demands. I ask for an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, two days ago the House voted to defeat an amendment to H.R. 2643 offered by Mr. Peterson that would have lifted the moratoria on the Outer Continental Shelf for natural-gas only leasing. While I voted against the amendment, I wanted to elaborate on my views on this matter. I certainly support the gentleman's goal of increasing our access to domestic supplies of natural gas, and we have demonstrated that it is possible to explore and produce oil and gas in our oceans and remain environmentally responsible at the same time. There are dozens of platforms operating off the coast of California today, producing nearly 30 million barrels of oil and 60 billion cubic feet of natural gas each year while releasing a negligible amount of that into the environment. There hasn't been a spill of larger than 50 barrels since 1996, and there has not been a truly significant spill in nearly 40 years. This demonstrates that when oil and gas development is done correctly, it can be a tremendous resource with little detrimental environmental impact. I support taking a close look at areas that are currently under a moratorium, so that we understand both the opportunities and the risks of opening up these regions. Unfortunately, we are sorely lacking up-to-date information on the oil and natural resources of our Outer Continental Shelf. Earlier today I chaired a hearing in the Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee, in which the Acting Director of the Minerals Management Service, Walter Cruickshank, testified that the most recent data on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts was collected in the late 1970s. When opponents of Outer Continental Shelf development argue that 80 percent of the oil and gas is already accessible to leasing, they are using badly outdated data. If we are going to have this discussion, we need to have a much better knowledge of the extent and value of the oil and gas resources of the Outer Continental Shelf. Only then will we be able to really look at the big picture and determine the proper balance between energy development and other important resource values, including tourism, fisheries and national security, to name a few. My primary concern with Mr. Peterson's amendment is that it proposed to allow for gas-only leases. Unfortunately, this idea is, quite simply, not feasible. There are various reasons I come to this conclusion. Most fundamentally, however, is the simple fact that oil and gas are often co-located and it is unrealistic to assume or assert that the industry would be interested in buying a lease that would preclude development of any oil found in the leased tract. As the former director of the Minerals Management Service, Johnnie Burton, said in a Senate hearing just last year, the vast majority of comments they received from the oil and gas industry on this idea were negative, because it was, ``not terribly practical.'' The fact is, as Ms. Burton put it, ``you never know what you are going to find until you drill.'' I maintain that we should certainly be taking a hard look at those areas that are currently off limits, many of which may be appropriate places to explore. As Chairman of the Energy and Mineral Resources subcommittee, I look forward to working with my colleagues to help craft a forward-thinking energy bill that looks at the big picture, and admit that there is no silver bullet for solving our nation's energy challenges. We must increase domestic production of fossil fuels while at the same time focusing on renewables, conservation, and ensuring that we strike the proper balance of development of our nation's abundant resources and good environmental stewardship.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. I think it's important that when we're talking about the debt, that we be up front with the facts for the American public. Yes, the war has certainly cost a great deal, but it's off budget. It's off budget, just like a host of items that are off budget, specifically designed in that way. The largest single segment on the debt is the interest on the debt, which is 6 percent and growing rapidly. And it's true that we've acquired more debt in the last 42 years than the previous 41 Presidents than this President has accomplished in his last 6 years. So I think it's important that we be up front with the American people when we're talking about the debt and the figures that are involved there. Yes, we've got to turn this ship around. It won't come overnight, but it will come with the bipartisan cooperation that I think we saw took place with President Clinton's administration, and that's what we ought to be doing.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose this amendment. The 2005 energy law required the Department of Energy to identify geographical areas throughout the country where congestion in the electric grid is raising prices and creating reliability concerns. Ladies and gentlemen, I don't think I have to tell anybody here on the floor that we have an energy crisis in this country, and there are a host of reasons why we have an energy crisis in this country. And I think most of us understand that, frankly, there is not one silver bullet that is going to resolve these issues. The designation of this 2005 energy law creates interest of corridors, clearly vests States with the primary responsibility for siting transmission lines and considering what local or regional benefits and consequences exist. I think it is clear that in the 2005 law that we are seeking to amend here that the national designation does not, does not, usurp State authority for siting transmission lines. Yet we have a lot of challenges on a regional basis. In California we are attempting to try to work with Arizona to the mutual benefit of citizens living in both States to try to allow for the conductivity of that energy back and forth as well as to try to maintain the stability of much-needed electricity for our constituents in the Southwest. This amendment, I think, would do great harm to that. And that is precisely why I think the 2005 law was designed to address short- sighted and narrow interests blocking the public good. I ask that you reject this amendment.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 453, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Amendment Offered by Mr. Campbell of California

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of SSG Christopher M. Moore, who lost his life defending our Nation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Christopher M. Moore attended Alpaugh High School in Alpaugh, CA. He excelled in academics and graduated early. After Christopher graduated from high school he joined the United States Army. He was so proud to serve in the military; he enlisted for a second term. Christopher Moore was the first Alpaugh High School graduate to die in combat. While serving with the 1st Battalion 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division based at Fort Hood, Texas, Christopher performed all of his active duties with great satisfaction. Tragically, on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 19, 2007, the vehicle in which Christopher traveled was hit by an improvised explosive device. Christopher and five other soldiers were killed in the incident. Christopher is survived by his mother, Martha Moore, two sisters, and one brother. Also surviving are his three young daughters and numerous friends. It is my belief that Michael's life symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice one can make for his country. His valor, strength, courage and determination to fight for our Nation will forever live in the minds and hearts of his family and Americans across the country. SSG Christopher M. Moore's dedication to the principles of freedom and democracy will serve as an example to all of us and for generations to come.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of CPL Victor H. Toledo Pulido, who lost his life defending our Nation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After attending high school in California's Central Valley, Victor joined the Army Reserves in 2005. A year later, he signed up for active duty and was stationed at Fort Benning, GA. Victor was proud to serve in the military. While serving with the 1st Calvary Regiment based out of Fort Benning, Victor wore his green camouflage uniform with pride. Unfortunately, on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, the vehicle in which Victor traveled was hit with an improvised explosive device. Victor and another solider were killed in the incident. CPL Victor Toledo Pulido is survived by his mother, Maria Gaspar of Kettleman City, his wife, Cristi Toledo, and brothers, Yosio and Gaston Toledo Pulido. Also surviving is his son, Isak and numerous friends. It is my belief that Victor's life symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice one can make for his country. His valor, strength, courage and pride in our Nation will forever live in the thoughts and hearts of his family and Americans across the Nation. CPL Victor H. Toledo Pulido's dedication to the principles of freedom and democracy will serve as an example to all of us and for generations to come.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and honor the distinguished career of Nancy Osborne, on the occasion of her 30th anniversary of being part of the KFSN-TV ABC 30 family in California's Central Valley. Nancy grew up on Army bases in the United States as well as Japan and Turkey. She graduated from Las Cruces High School in New Mexico and attended New Mexico State University for 3 years. In between a 5-year hiatus from college and motherhood, Nancy relocated to Fresno, CA, in 1973. Upon settling in Fresno, she returned to college and graduated from Fresno State University with a bachelors of arts degree in speech communications in 1976. A year into graduate school at Fresno State, Nancy accepted a reporting job with KFSN-TV 30, the local ABC affiliate television station in Fresno, California and became one of only a handful of women in the local broadcast industry. Nancy's success continued as she joined the anchor team at KFSN-TV in the fall of 1977 and again in 1980 when she produced and anchored the Valley's first locally produced news magazine show along with co-anchoring the Action News Program. Nancy's promising career with ABC 30 continued throughout the years and in 1996 she accepted the challenge of joining the Action News Management team. While continuing her coverage of the Valley's political scene and issues involving children and families, she was named Executive Producer--Special Projects, a position which allowed her to play a key role in helping shape Action News around the clock. In January 2004, Nancy returned to reporting full time, bringing her experience and expertise to the expanding daily Action News coverage. In addition to full-time reporting, Nancy also co-anchors Action News Live at Five with Warren Armstrong. Through the 30 years of service and loyalty to KFSN-TV ABC 30, Nancy Osborne has demonstrated the highest level of dedication to her community. She has emerged as one of the Valley's most trusted names in news and her contributions to the Valley's broadcast industry will never be forgotten. It is my sincere hope that continued health, prosperity, and success be with Nancy through all her future endeavors.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentlewoman, the ranking member, and the chairman of the Committee on International Relations for their good work on this legislation and for their bipartisan effort to provide leadership in our committee and in all the hearings that we are holding and in the legislation that we are participating in. The bipartisan spirit which I think surrounds the committee these days is welcomed and is truly a tribute to the chairman and the ranking member.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I think from many of the comments that have been made here this afternoon regarding the concerns that we have as it relates to the situation in Afghanistan, we come with the best of intentions to support H.R. 2446, which is the underlying bill, a strong bill; and I am, of course, among those who support this measure. It affirms the United States' long-term commitment to support Afghanistan in the transition that has seen 30 years of civil war, violence and occupation by a brutal regime to a stable and prosperous democratic state at peace with its neighbors. Having said that, though, it is easier said than done, as we all know, for Afghanistan faces many challenges. With the amount of funding that we have provided to the Afghani people for economic and security reasons, I believe that there is increased need to have the sort of oversight mechanisms in place to protect this investment, to ensure its success and, of course, to always make sure that American taxpayers' dollars are well spent. My amendment provides this opportunity in two ways: It provides oversight that includes the Office of Inspector General at the State Department as well as the United States Agency for International Development to provide the necessary oversight within this bill that many of us believe is necessary. The amendment to H.R. 2446 provides such support in two ways: in- country presence and funding. Without in-country presence and without the necessary funding, it won't happen. Currently, the staff of the Office of Inspector General of the United States AID are performing their duties in Manila. Now, you take out a map and Manila is a long ways from Kabul in Afghanistan, which is the capital. We need to have on-the-ground knowledge in Afghanistan and programs that they are implementing, and they cannot perform those duties from Manila, which is thousands of and thousands of miles away. Many of us have visited Afghanistan, and we have on-the-ground knowledge of what is critical to this war on terrorism. We must remember this is where the war on terrorism began, which premeditated the attacks on 9/11. The amendment mandates that at least two staff members will be permanently deployed in Afghanistan in the country. The amendment also increases the funding for both the Offices of Inspector General in accordance with their own plans to increase staffing over the coming years. The Offices of the Inspector General are our watchdog, and they provide vital efforts to ensure that money is well spent in Afghanistan. We need to ensure that these American taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that waste and corruption, which was mentioned by the previous speaker, is kept at bay, to the degree that it is possible. In conclusion, let me say, Mr. Chairman, that we had tremendous success in South Korea, but we have been there over 50 years and we still have 30,000 troops there. The initial two decades in South Korea will be, in my opinion, as difficult as it is today in Afghanistan. Therefore, we must be prepared to put the proper resources there and to stay the course. I strongly support this bill.

Mr. COSTA. I yield to the chairman.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I join my colleague Congressman George Radanovich, and rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Betty Pia, a wonderful mother, advocate, and community leader. Betty has had an interesting life story. As a native of the state of Georgia, she was born on May 29, 1917. She moved to Madera, CA from Southern California in 1965 with her husband Joe. Betty and Joe have one daughter, Nancy, who they raised in the Central Valley of California. Betty has accomplished much in her life, but she is most known for her commitment and passion for taking care of others. As owner and operator of Magic Heart Guest Home, she has been in the residential care business for over 35 years. As a community leader, Betty has been involved in the local Women's Improvement Club, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce, and was the 2005 Grand Marshall of the Old Timer's Day Celebration in Madera. As an advocate of the Valley, Betty has been involved in local, state, and national politics for most of her life. In Georgia she got her start in politics by serving as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's nurse and developed a personal friendship with President Jimmy Carter, who she later was able to bring to the Valley during his term in office. Despite being a lifelong Democrat, Betty has truly been bipartisan in nature as she has always put people before politics. This is evident in the fact that Betty has served on Congressman Radanovich's Educational Committee and has been his delegate to the National Silver Hair Congress for 12 years. Betty has actively supported California Governors that range from former Governor Jerry Brown to former Governor Pete Wilson. Despite pleas from family and friends to slow down, Betty still continues to operate her guest home and continues to be a driving force in local politics. Throughout the many roads she has traveled, we thank Betty for the many lives that she has touched along the way. It is for these reasons that we join Betty Pia's family and friends in wishing her a blessed 90th birthday and continued health and happiness in the years to come.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, this House on a bipartisan basis overwhelmingly supported our troops last week by giving them a 3.5 percent pay raise over the next year. What is our President's response? A threatened veto. In a statement opposing the higher pay raise, the administration noted that the President's proposal, in their opinion, provided a good quality of life for servicemembers and families. Mr. President, apparently you have not read the 2004 Kaiser Family Foundation report that indicates that over one in five military families rely on food stamps or WIC for Federal aid. This is simply unacceptable. The best way we can send a message to our troops that we support the grueling work that they do on a daily basis is by showing it, by putting more money in their pockets so they can better provide for their families. The bottom line is that men and women fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan should not have to supplement their income through living on food stamps or WIC. We encourage the President to reconsider the veto threat and to support the entire pay raise.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I thank very much Congressman Ross, the gentleman from Arkansas, who does an excellent job each week in helping convey the message of the Blue Dogs, the fiscally conservative Democrats who are focused on accountability, not just at home but abroad as well. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to once again echo strong support for the Blue Dog Accountability War Act, and I, too, am pleased that Congressman Skelton, because of his focus and his desire to see the same sort of accountability that I think all Americans want to see, this is a bipartisan issue, chose to include provisions of the Blue Dog War Accountability Act within the new authorization for Defense. Four years ago, we all remember very clearly when this war effort was brought to America. We were told that 4 years ago it would cost $60 billion and that the oil revenue from Iraq, which has tremendous reserves, would go to pay for the reconstruction. I think many Americans thought that that might be a reasonable price to pay, notwithstanding the fact that you can never, ever put a price on the cost of American lives that have been lost nor those that have been injured. Nonetheless, we were told that 4 years ago in monetary costs, it would be $60 billion and the oil revenues would go to pay for the reconstruction costs. Many of you saw the reports this week by a number of press agencies that indicated over the last 2 years billions and billions of dollars have been lost from revenues from the Iraqi oil reserves, but while it was a new story this week, it comes as no surprise to many of us who have been briefed in Congress. I was in Iraq last May, spent time in Mosul, city of Mosul, with a number of our commanders. As we were getting our briefings, as all congressional delegations receive when you go to Iraq, we were told of the problems of getting the oil from the oil field, from the wellheads to refinery because there's only one, and then getting the refined products to where the Iraqis could use the gasoline and the other oil products. They told us as recently as a year ago that every step of the way from when the oil was taken out of the wellhead, put in the truck, on the truck, mind you, because you can't use pipelines because the insurgents keep blowing the pipelines up, that every step of the way, every province, there is graft, there is corruption, there's other types of lost revenue, and those moneys go too often into the hands of these same insurgents that are battling our troops, making side profits off the revenue that was supposed to go to reconstruction, going to pay for insurgents and for bombs that come in the form of IEDs, that end up killing and maiming so many of our American men and women who are trying to fight this battle on behalf of the Iraqis. So this is well-known, and yet 2 years as we look at the problems with trying to get this oil out of the ground and to the refineries, we still have made little progress in terms of eliminating that graft and corruption that currently takes place or the profits from that graft and corruption that go into the hands of the insurgents. And yes, unfortunately, the oil revenues today are still at or below the levels during pre-Saddam Hussein years when, in fact, there were restrictions on the amount of oil they could drill. That's how much progress unfortunately we have not made in the 4 years that we've been engaged in this effort. The fiscal accountability under the Blue Dog War Act for this effort, as it's being included in other aspects of our budget, are critical. The reforms the Americans expected here at home, they're the reforms that Americans expect on a bipartisan basis as we try to change the direction and the course of this war in Iraq. Let me conclude by saying that it's important that we keep our eyes focused on the situation at hand. Many of us have had briefings on a weekly basis with the top generals who are engaged in this effort trying to implement this surge. Just last week in speaking with one of those generals, I told him, I said, you know, we're doubtful on the surge, many of us, not because we don't think American men and women are successful; we know that they will do the absolute best job possible, but we're doubtful on the credibility of the leadership of this administration to effectively carry out what they say, and that's a loss of confidence. If this were a parliamentary system, there would be a vote of no confidence after all that has transpired over the last 4 years. Having said that, I, like most Americans, hope that this surge is successful, for all the right reasons, for all the right reasons, but let me tell you tonight what I told the American general last week. If this surge by this summer is not successful, I hope you will tell the Congress and the American public that it's not working. He responded in the affirmative that he would respond by August on whether or not this was working or not. So I told the general, I said I hope it's successful, but I hope if it's not, you will tell us that it is not and that currently you are engaged in an effort that looks at a plan B. As I told Secretary of State that we needed to be thinking about doing in February of this year, a plan B that would protect our men and women who are at the front lines, look at protecting the borders between Iraq and Iran and Syria, look at redeployment, looking at beefing up our efforts in Afghanistan, in a way that protects our interests in the Middle East but quits trying to convince ourselves that if we want democracy more than the Iraqis it will happen. At the end of the day, Iraq will have to stand up for itself and indicate that they want to make a success out of this effort of democracy. So I want to yield back to my colleagues and I thank my friend, the gentleman from Arkansas, for providing this opportunity for fellow Blue Dogs to come and talk about why we are so concerned that, in fact, a new day has come and why we have to make new changes in direction that will fit the accountability of American men and women, that American taxpayers and that most importantly our American soldiers demand and deserve.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, earlier, California lost one of its great water experts with the death of Joseph B. Summers. Joe was once deemed ``Watermaster'' for several water entities in central and southern California. His knowledge, skill and a lifetime of experience brought many people seeking his advice on a multitude of water issues. His wise counsel is greatly missed. Joe was born in Iowa and served in World War II as a B-24 Bombardier in Europe. He obtained a degree in civil engineering and began his career with the Bureau of Reclamation of the Department of Interior in Denver where he met his wife, Rose. Moving to California in the 1950s, he worked for the Modesto Irrigation District and then was principal engineer for Stoddard and Karrer Engineers in Los Banos. After establishing his own firm in Kings County, California in 1962, he was an engineering consultant for the Tulare Lake Drainage District to determine the drainage needs of the area and designing a drainage system for the Tulare Lake Bed near the town of Corcoran. At the same time, he negotiated contracts with the California Department of Water Resources for water supplies from the California Aqueduct, then under construction, for water supplies from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to southern California. In addition to those duties, he was principal engineer for the Solano Irrigation District in Solano County, California. During the 1990s Joe undertook one of the most difficult tasks in U.S. water history: chairing the oversight committee which crafted a $100 million agreement between the Southern California Metropolitan Water District, the supplier of water to much of the Los Angeles area, and the Imperial Irrigation District. It was one of the most complex water negotiations undertaken and settled a long-term and previously intractable issue. Its settlement was an achievement unparallel in California and U.S. water history. As recently as 2003, Joe was chairman of two coordination committees to oversee the concrete lining of the Coachella Canal and All-American Canal in southern California to reduce seepage which will conserve thousands of acre feet of water annually. The projects are key components of an agreement reached on the allocation of Colorado River water among competing entities in the state and helped resolve issues among states who are parties to the Colorado River Compact. Joe's Iowa farm experience served him when he applied his engineering expertise to develop cultivation techniques in the cultivation of his walnut farm near Hanford, California. His agriculture leadership was recognized as he was the first recipient of the Merriam Improved Irrigation Award and induction into the University of Iowa's College of Engineering's Distinguished Engineering Alumni Academy. Joe's local contributions include serving on the Hanford Community Foundation. Joe was an inspiration and mentor to young people interested in hard work, achievement and having an impact on their chosen professions. His friendship and expertise are greatly missed.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise in recognition of the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. Twenty-two thousand American nationals were captured during World War II by the Japanese Imperial Forces. All 22,000 were detained on U.S. territory, the island of Guam. For nearly 31 months, these U.S. citizens were civilian prisoners of war. Many were executed and many atrocities were committed against them that included rape, physical torture, and other such efforts, all committed because of their loyalty to the United States. They refused to become a part of Imperial Japan. They would not bow to the occupiers. Two Federal commissions have now recommended to Congress that we have the moral obligation to make our fellow Americans whole from the suffering they endured because of their loyalty and patriotism to our country. I will vote in favor of H.R. 1595, the Guam World War II Loyalty Act carried by our colleague, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. This is an important measure. We must never forget.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of CPL Michael Matthew Rojas, who lost his life defending the freedom of our Nation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A native of Fresno, California, Michael was born on March 1, 1986. As early as his freshman year in high school, he made joining the military a goal in his life. He played 4 years of football at Clovis East and helped his team win the Central Section Division 1 Championship, a highlight of his high school career. Shortly upon his high school graduation in 2004, Michael attained his goal by enlisting in the Army. When asked why he decided to join knowing that our Nation was at war, he would reply, ``Because it's the men and women before me that made it possible to live in freedom.'' With that passion and drive Michael completed basic training at Fort Sill, OK as a cannon crewmember. In November of 2004, he reported to Fort Lewis where he was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. Unfortunately, Michael's tour in Iraq ended when an improvised device detonated near his military vehicle during combat operations on April 18, 2007. Michael is survived by his mother, Debbie Apodaca; his father, David Esquivil; his wife, Katrina; five sisters, Michelle, Melissa, Marissa, Samantha, Mariah; and one brother, David. Also surviving are his grandparents, William Rojas, Victoria Valenzuela, and Art and Gloria Esquivil; and his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. It is my belief that Michael's life symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice one can make for his country. His valor, strength, courage and pride in our nation will forever live in the thoughts and hearts of his family and Americans across the nation. CPL Michael Matthew Rojas' dedication to the principles of freedom and democracy will serve as an example to all of us, for generations to come.