Jim Costa

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. Martha Twisselman of McKittrick, California on receiving the 2010 Agriculturist of the Year Award from the Kern County Fair. Mrs. Twisselman's dedication to fostering youth interest in agriculture through her work on the Kern County Fair Junior Livestock Auction Committee and her many years of community service make her most deserving of this award. It should also be noted with special recognition that Mrs. Twisselman is the first woman to be recognized with this honor. Mrs. Twisselman was born in Paso Robles, California, to Ellsworth and Mary Muttney. Martha attended Olig Elementary, McKittrick Elementary, and graduated from Taft High School. After graduation, she married Carl F. Twisselman II and moved to the Temblor Ranch where she began her life in the cattle business. Mrs. Twisselman is an active community volunteer, having held several posts in the past years including President of the McKittrick Elementary School Parent Teachers Association and President of the Taft High and McKittrick Elementary Parent's Support Organizations. Martha has also supported local youth groups, acting as a girls' softball coach for eight years and serving as a 4-H leader for 14 years. Mrs. Twisselman's service to the agricultural community includes many years of involvement with the Kern County Cattlewomen's Association. She served as a director of the association, held the offices of secretary, treasurer, vice-president, and served as President of the association from 1997 to 1998. In 1996, Martha was also named Kern County Cattlewomen's Association Cattlewoman of the Year. In addition to her volunteer service to youth and agriculture groups, Mrs. Twisselman has worked side-by-side for more than five decades with her husband, Carl, in the family's livestock grazing business. Martha was also a staff member of the Kern County Fair Junior Livestock Auction Committee for five years, working with families involved in showing livestock at the Kern County Fair. Last year, the Kern County Fair Auction Committee dedicated its catalogue to Martha and Carl Twisselman in honor of the couple's service to the agricultural community. Martha and her husband Carl have four children, Mary Ann Hagstrom and husband Chuck; Carl F. Twisselman III and his wife Stacey; Julie M. VanSickel and her husband Jim; and Kathy Tracy and her husband Rob. Martha and Carl are also the proud grandparents of 13 grandchildren. The leadership, commitment and dedication Mrs. Twisselman has shown to the Kern County Fair and to Kern County youth has not wavered during the many years she has served her community. Martha Twisselman is a role model for community spirit and it is with great pride that I congratulate her again on receiving the distinguished 2010 Kern County Fair Agriculturist of the Year Award and thank her for the great work she does for the residents of Kern County.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to support the amendment by Mr. Cardoza. The administration needs to reset its housing policy. It is not working. Foreclosure rates are above and beyond the call in the San Joaquin Valley. We need to do a better job. I rise today to support the amendment offered by my friend Representative Cardoza, to strip travel funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This amendment is in response to the ongoing nationwide foreclosure crisis, which has been extremely devastating to my district in California. This administration's efforts have not worked in the San Joaquin Valley, where many families continue to lose their homes. This amendment forces HUD to cease their travel, while they properly address this nationwide crisis.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, as we return to our districts with the August recess, I want to call attention to the ongoing water supply challenges facing the San Joaquin Valley that I represent. This year, we pushed the administration to use all the flexibility and power within the law to increase pumping to move water to our valley. We pushed to find additional water supplies that were not previously available at contract rates, and we were able to increase the water allocation for farmers in our valley significantly. We also pushed to bring critical water infrastructure projects, like the Intertie that we will have groundbreaking next month. Our efforts have produced more than four times the amount of water we received last year, but our fight for water, for valley jobs, and for our economy is far from over. Unemployment is still unacceptable. This administration and Congress must continue to step up its support for the San Joaquin Valley, as farmers and farm communities need a sustainable water supply to grow the country's fresh fruits and vegetables, our Nation's food supply. That is why it is more important than ever in the next water year for Federal and State agency leaders to use every tool in their water toolbox to ensure that water flows. That means we must work together with our local water agencies.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, today I will introduce legislation that will provide for burial benefits in national cemeteries to Hmong veterans who served in support of U.S. forces in Vietnam. Given the service to our Nation, I believe this is an appropriate honor. During the Vietnam War, officers from the CIA Special Activities Division trained and led Hmong men in Laos and in Vietnam for special combat activities. These forces numbered in the tens of thousands and conducted missions against communist forces and the North Vietnamese, fighting shoulder to shoulder with U.S. soldiers. Since the end of the conflict in Vietnam, thousands of Hmong families have resettled around the United States today and as a result of a law signed by President Ford are now United States citizens. Only a few thousand of these original veterans remain alive today. As was done with the Philippine Armed Forces who served in support of U.S. in World War II, we should recognize that precedent by offering internment privileges to national cemeteries after verification and documentation is completed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. I urge you to support this legislation.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of extending unemployment benefits to the hardworking San Joaquin Valley families of California who continue to search for work during these tough economic times. The current lapse in benefits is unprecedented. Since 1959, the government has never allowed these benefits to expire when the national unemployment rate is above 7.2 percent. Californians are concerned with providing for their families and putting food on the table, not who scores the most political points in Washington. Extending unemployment benefits isn't just critical to our Central Valley's workers and communities where unemployment hovers around 20 percent in some of the counties but also to our economy. Every dollar in unemployment benefits creates at least $1.63 in economic activity. That puts money in neighborhood businesses. Now is the time to focus on middle class families and our economy, not the next election. It's time to pass this measure and to send it to the President for his signature.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Armando an Betty Rodriguez of Fresno, California, as they celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Over the course of their journey of the past 60 years, Armando and Betty have demonstrated a loving devotion and enduring partnership that continues to make their marriage a true inspiration for others. Armando and Betty Rodriguez were both born and raised in Fresno, California, and were traditional high school sweethearts, having eyes only for each other. They attended Edison High School and graduated in 1947. Three short years later, they were married and in 1952, Armando joined the United States Air Force, serving our Great Country for four years, including a tour of duty in Korea, where he served as a Morse Code operator. After being discharged, Armando and Betty resided in Fresno, while he completed his studies at Fresno State. Always true partners, when Armando decided to pursue his Juris Doctorate degree, Betty supported both of them by working in a number of part-time jobs. Armando became an attorney and, in 1972, went on to become the first Hispanic elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. With Betty's unwavering support, Armando helped open the judicial doors for many other Latinos when he was appointed by then Governor Jerry Brown as a Fresno County Superior Court Judge in 1975. Armando would go on to serve in his judicial capacity for twenty years. Armando Rodriguez is known to be proud of the many ``firsts'' in his life--his first marriage in its 60th year; first lawyer to work for the California Rural Legal Assistance; first in his family to graduate from college; and one of the first to be elected as an adviser with el Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior during Mexico President Vicente Fox's administration. Betty Rodriguez has been equally active in their beloved Fresno community by helping to found the League of Mexican American Women, and participating in the Ladies Aid to Retarded Citizens, the League of Women Voters, the Mexican-American Political Association, Friends of the Library, and countless other organizations. Despite her seemingly endless commitments to the community, Betty has also been and remains, a devoted caretaker of the Rodriguez home throughout their 60 years of marriage. Armando and Betty have become known as local Latino icons and continue to have a tremendous impact on their families, friends and fellow community members. Furthermore, each has been a recipient of La Medalla Ohtli, the highest recognition that the Mexican government bestows on non-Mexican citizens and both were honored for their work with the Mexican Consulate, with Fresno's Sister City Torreon and with youth from Mexico. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Armando and Betty Rodriguez on celebrating their 60th year of marriage, and expressing our hope that they are blessed with many more joyous years together.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and outstanding career of Mr. Woody Laughnan. For over 20 years, Woody contributed his wit, intelligence, and passion to the Fresno Bee and our community. His work was widely read by the people of our Valley, and his regular column reflected his own personal biography while informing so many of our daily lives. Born in 1924, Woody was a Montana native who served in World War II. He dedicated his career to the printed word, and his work in the newspaper industry took him from the Martinez News-Gazette to the Paso Robles Press. Along the way, Woody worked as a reporter, an editor, an advertising salesman, and a publisher. The Fresno Bee and its readers were lucky enough to land Woody in 1967. His Around Here column became a mainstay of its pages, and the stories and wisdom he passed along touched so many in our Valley. While Woody's column ended in 1989, I can still remember opening the Bee and turning to the latest edition of Around Here. Outside of work, Woody was dedicated to his family and helping those in need. His charity over the years was remarkable and he will be remembered by his generosity and compassion. Madam Speaker, my thoughts and prayers are with Woody's family and friends as we honor the life of an individual who contributed so much to our Valley.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, this month, the Department of Interior and the California Department of Water Resources announced an increase in water allocation to farmers in the San Joaquin Valley. Our efforts to press the administration for more water is producing results and is already flowing to the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. But our fight for our valley's jobs and economy is far from over. Regulations that restrict the flow of water to our valley must be revised. I am pleased that the administration has announced its intention to revise and integrate the two biological opinions that single out valley agriculture for degrading the delta when we know that this simply is not true. All factors affecting the health of the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta must be taken into account as we move forward, including predation of invasive species and other water quality factors. I would like to submit a letter for the Record from the Central Valley Regional Water Control Board that confirms the need to address water quality issues. This includes the dumping of pollutants, such as ammonia and toxic urban run-off and the impact of power plants on the ecosystem, among other things. We will win this fight, and common sense will prevail. Recognizing all of the factors impacting the delta will allow more water to flow to the valley and the rest of California. Congress of the United States, Washington, DC, June 9, 2010. Charles R. Hoppin, Chair, State Water Resources Control Board, Sacramento, CA. Katherine Hart, Chair, Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, Rancho Cordova, CA. Dear Chairs Hoppin and Hart: We are writing to request that the State Water Resources Control Board and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board take immediate action to address ammonia discharges from wastewater facilities into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta). As you are aware, we have long held that the single focus of regulatory agencies on water exports is misguided in that it overlooks other key stressors that contribute to the decline of fisheries in the Delta. The effect of this single focus is to punish farmers, farmworkers and communities in the San Joaquin Valley at a tremendous impact to state's economy, and in the end the fish are no better off. Two recent studies point to Sacramento's wastewater as a significant cause behind the declining fish populations in the Delta. One study, authored by Patricia Glibert of the University of Maryland, concludes that the Delta's environmental problems are more likely tied to wastewater pollution than to water diversions, indicating that increased ammonia in Sacramento wastewater has disrupted algae production in the Delta, which rippled up the food chain to compromise fish species. Another study by Inge Werner, a toxicologist at UC Davis, concluded that threatened Delta smelt may be harmed by exposure to ammonia at levels below federal limits and that longterm exposure could reduce smelt growth and feeding activity, which would ultimately affect their breeding success. These studies cry out for immediate action by the responsible regulatory agencies. We understand that the Regional Board has renewed Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District's wastewater discharge permit annually without substantive review since it expired in 2005. As the single largest wastewater discharger in the Delta, it is crucial that the Regional Board conducts a full and immediate review of the District's permit and that the Regional Board conditions any renewal upon upgrading the sewage treatment system to a tertiary system. Tertiary systems have been installed throughout San Joaquin Valley communities as a result of regulations imposed by the Regional Board in order to improve water quality. We find it incongruous that the very board that has imposed tertiary treatment requirements on communities in the San Joaquin Valley, including Stockton, Modesto, Turlock and Fresno, has failed to impose similar requirements on the Sacramento District. These studies confirm that ammonia wastewater discharges are a large part of the problem in the Delta. Reducing ammonia discharges needs to be part of the solution, along with the other key factors that are contributing to the environmental decline in the Delta. We call upon the Regional Board to take immediate action to correct this problem. Sincerely, Jim Costa, Member of Congress. Dennis Cardoza, Member of Congress.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Howard K. Watkins Photographic Archive Project, aptly recognized as the current ``Fresno Photo Laureate.'' Since his arrival in Fresno in 1973, Howard K. Watkins has been photographing and documenting events in the greater Fresno area. His collection of 200,000 photos is the largest of its kind and includes: elected officials, community and business leaders, members of the judiciary and legal community, celebrities, numerous community groups, parades, political rallies, athletes, historic buildings and several award winning photographs. Influenced by the historic Pop Laval Photographic Archive Collection and encouraged by others, Mr. Watkins has partnered with the Fresno Regional Foundation and the Henry Madden Library at California State University, Fresno to provide a permanent home for all to enjoy. Therefore, Fresno State is helping to establish the Howard K. Watkins Photographic Archive Project with the goal of making the photographs publicly accessible as an online historical archive. Mr. Watkins began taking photos in junior high school with a simple Brownie camera. He pursued his passion for photography as a hobby as a young adult and continued throughout his career as an attorney with Fresno County Legal Services and the Office of Fresno County Counsel. Mr. Watkins became the official photographer for the Fresno County Supreme Court and has taken photographs for the State Bar of California and the California Supreme Court. Now retired from a distinguished thirty-three year career in the legal field, Mr. Watkins is devoting most of his time to indexing his photographic collection and raising the funds needed to make his photos accessible for generations to come. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise with me today to express our appreciation for Mr. Watkins' unwavering dedication and commitment to keeping the greater Fresno legacy alive through the Howard K. Watkins Photographic Archive Project.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to put aside partisan differences and begin in earnest to address our Nation's broken immigration system. Although we do not always agree on how to change the system, it is clear that we all agree that the current system is broken and in need of meaningful reform. Yesterday I met with the President to discuss a way forward for immigration reform; and while comprehensive reform remains my priority, we cannot allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good. We must begin to address our immigration issues this year, improve our security at the borders. But piecemeal approaches at the State and local level only further complicates our Nation's immigration policy. We cannot and should not abandon our responsibility at the Federal level. AgJobs and the DREAM Act provides a path forward that can be an example of how we can reform in a meaningful way that benefits our economy, provides a stable workforce on our local farms, and reduces the number of illegal workers in our country. We must act now, and I ask my colleagues to join me to pass immigration reform this year.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to encourage our leadership to expand our trade opportunities and to grow our economy by calling up and passing our pending free trade agreements. Just this week, President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to passing the Korea Free Trade Agreement. I applaud the President for this effort. Korea, Colombia and Panama hold great economic potential for our country, especially for agricultural regions, such as the region I represent in the San Joaquin Valley. Still, while these trade agreements languish, our farmers continue to face high tariffs in these countries--some as high as 80 percent. Worse yet, many of our international competitors in the European Union and in Canada are expanding market opportunities by signing their own trade agreements and by seizing markets that could and should belong to U.S. agriculture. Madam Speaker, we are living in a global economy. If we are truly committed to economic recovery in the United States, now is the time to promote U.S. products abroad.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and the ranking member, for your good work on this legislation. I, too, stand in strong support of the conference report, H.R. 2194, the Iran Sanctions, Accountability and Divestment Act of 2010. As a conference committee member, I know this piece of legislation represents a monumental step forward in our fight against Iran's nuclear arms quest. These sanctions are a dramatic improvement. These tough new petroleum and financial sanctions will put further restrictions on the ability of the Iranian regime to continue their nuclear aspirations and their oppression of the Iranian people that has been well documented before and since the elections 1 year ago. These sanctions will send a strong signal that our Nation will not stand for the development of this regime's nuclear arms program, especially with such violent threats against our ally, Israel, and others in the region. This legislation is an important part of the solution, as we keep all our options on the table, to our longstanding concern about the prospect of a nuclear Iran. I encourage my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) for his good remarks, as always. I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1457) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the one-year anniversary of the Government of Iran's fraudulent manipulation of Iranian elections, the Government of Iran's continued denial of human rights and democracy to the people of Iran, and the Government of Iran's continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I, too, want to thank my friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from Florida, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, for her strong bipartisan comments on a resolution that there is strong bipartisan support for, as witnessed by the statements here this afternoon. Make no mistake about it, Madam Speaker, and to those who are listening. This resolution is about human rights violations in Iran. This resolution is about the despotic, sham regime that is currently governing in Iran that is oppressing the people of that country. This resolution speaks to the higher values and goals that are enshrined in our country's Constitution and Bill of Rights, those freedoms that we hold most dear, that are at the end of the day the basis for all human rights, not just in our country but throughout the world. Therefore, today, the Congress must speak to these human rights violations that are existing in Iran. Today, the Congress must voice its opinion on the despotic rule of this regime, and by passing this resolution in a bipartisan fashion, we will not only put the House of Representatives firmly on record as to the year anniversary of the sham election that took place in Iran, but we will also reiterate our strong support for sanctions against this country that, in fact, is violating these human rights and that is turning its back on the rest of the world. Make no mistake about it. The Iranian Government today, not its people but the Iranian Government today, is, in my view, the largest concern not only in the Middle East but throughout the world in terms of achieving peace that we all hold most dear. The goals of peace in the Middle East and throughout the world are at greatest risk by the actions and the activities and the supports of terrorist activities by this Iranian regime, whether it be to Hezbollah, whether it be to Hamas, or whether it be to other terrorist groups that it supports in so many different ways because they know at the end of the day they cannot support the family of nations throughout the world in expressing freedoms that we hold most dear. So I ask my colleagues to support this bipartisan resolution.

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous materials on this resolution under consideration.

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution today, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. House Resolution 1457 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on the 1-year anniversary of the Government of Iran's manipulation of the Iranian elections, the continued denial of human rights, and their continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability. And I would like to thank my friend, Congressman Judge Poe of Texas, for joining me in the introduction of this important resolution. Madam Speaker, just over a year ago, on June 12, 2009, the world watched as Iran's rulers manipulated and stole an election for their chosen candidate, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Thousands of Iranians took to the streets following that sham presidential election that had been orchestrated for the regime. Following that, we all know what happened. So we speak in this resolution on the anniversary of that disputed election result because I believe, and those who are supporting this resolution believe, that Congress must reaffirm its commitment to supporting democracy and freedom around the world, including in Iran. We know that as the street protest continued against the fraudulent election and it intensified, the Government of Iran, its riot police, and members of the Revolutionary Guard Corps engaged in a brutal crackdown on the Iranian people. Sadly, many Iranians were injured, imprisoned, or killed. Human rights in Iran, we know, have deteriorated precipitously over the years since the first election of President Ahmadinejad. But since that disputed presidential election last year, Iran's slide into what is clearly a brutal dictatorship has sharply accelerated. Iran's Revolutionary Guard, its militia, and its police arbitrarily arrest thousands of peaceful protesters and dissidents, including students, women's rights activists, lawyers, and journalists, in a clear effort to intimidate their critics and stifle dissent. This regime obviously cannot withstand these critics. But as champions of freedom and democracy, the United States must, must condemn these abuses of this Iranian regime whenever possible as we witness such actions around the world. It is in our Constitution, and it is one of the reasons why we still remain a beacon of light around the world as we stand up for human rights, human rights that have sadly been abused in Iran by this regime. But it's not just in our Constitution. In the Koran it states: Help one another in a righteousness and goodness way. Help not one another when in sin and aggression. Clearly, this despotic regime in Iran is engaged in full-time sin and aggression of its own people. But this quote, of course, is from the Koran, which is the book of the major religion of the people of Iran. Yet they violate their own faith in this way. Madam Speaker, the people of the United States stand behind the people of Iran, who simply want to live their lives in peace and freedom, free of the brutal oppression of their government. Let us be clear: At the end of the day, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is nothing more than a bully and a dictator. His regime uses every tactic they can to subdue and terrorize their own people. And we need to recognize this phony regime for what it is. It's a killer of freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of press. And I believe that when history is written, that the record of this terrorism regime in the 21st century will compare, sadly, to those same brutal dictatorships that we witnessed in the 20th century. I am talking about Hitler, Stalin, Tojo, and Mussolini. That is the level of despotic dictatorship that we are witnessing today in Iran. So, therefore, this resolution before us confirms Congress's support for all Iranian citizens who struggle for freedom, human rights, and civil liberties. It condemns the ongoing violence and human rights abuses against the people of Iran by their government, and it urges immediate release of all political prisoners detained by this regime. House Resolution 1457 also calls for freedom and democracy for the people of Iran, including fair, democratic, and independent elections, unlike the ones that were held a year ago. Finally, this resolution condemns the Government of Iran's continued pursuit of nuclear weapons capability and a ballistic missiles program, for clearly we know what they are intended for. This is especially timely, Madam Speaker, since later this week the House is expected to vote on the conference committee report H.R. 2194. We hope by the end of this week, certainly by next week. The Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 is an important measure. I am proud to be a conferee on the conference committee. This piece of legislation represents, I think, a monumental step toward our fight against Iran's nuclear proliferation. These sanctions reinforce and go far beyond the enacted United Nations sanctions aimed at persuading Iran to change its conduct that was voted on over a week ago. These tough new petroleum and financial sanctions will restrict the ability of Iran's regime and its thugs to continue their nuclear aspirations and their oppression of the Iranian people. The legislation also increases penalties for sanction violations and bolsters the U.S. trade embargo against Iran. These sanctions will send a strong signal that our Nation will not stand for the escalation of this regime's aims at a nuclear arms program, especially with violent threats against our strategic ally Israel, and the threat of that ally and its impact throughout the regions of Europe and Southeast Asia, along with the Middle East. Clearly, their medium-range missiles are capable of reaching all of those countries within that area, and, therefore, we stand with Israel and our allies. These sanctions are a powerful step forward. We must continue to take all necessary actions and to keep every option on the table to prevent nuclear arms races in that region. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this important resolution and to send a strong message to Iran and the entire world that America will not stand by while these human rights abuses continue and they continue to pursue nuclear weapons capabilities. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 355, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 353, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the Honorable L. Bryce Chase. On June 2, 2010, after 29 years, Justice Chase retired as Judge of the North Kern Municipal Court in Delano, California. Mr. Chase was born in Eugene, Oregon on March 30, 1945. He moved with his family to Shafter, California in 1949, and then to Delano, California in 1954. Upon graduating from Delano High School in 1962, Bryce attended Bakersfield College and Linfield College. He then attended University of Southern California, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Bryce served in the United States Army from 1967-1969, stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington and Fort Gordon, Georgia. In 1972, he began law school at Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Bryce graduated with his Juris Doctorate degree in 1975 and was subsequently admitted to the California State Bar. He was a Legal Clerk and Associate Attorney with M. Dwain Smith from 1975 until 1977, when he began his sole private practice in Delano, California. Mr. Chase became a judge of the Delano-McFarland Justice Court in 1981. The Delano-McFarland Justice Court became the North Kern Municipal Court in 1990, and Judge Chase continued to serve as a judicial officer. As a judge, Bryce was involved in several county-wide programs. He established the first self-funded court and community service program in Kern County, served three terms on the Kern County Trial Coordination Committee and one year on the Administrative Structure Committee for Kern County. In addition, Judge Chase was also Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Uniform Rules of Court for Kern County, served on the Trial Court Presiding Judges Advisory Committee and is an active member of California Judges Association. Judge Chase has always played a large role in the community of Delano. He has been an active member of the Delano Kiwanis Club and Greater Delano Area Youth Foundation since 1982, where he served as President for both organizations. He is a member of the First Baptist Church and has been honored for his community service by Proteus Training, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Past Lieutenant Governor Leo McCarthy and yours truly, when I was a member of the California State Senate. Madam Speaker, it goes without saying that Judge Chase's dedication and accomplishments to the community of Delano have gained him respect and appreciation from all who have worked with him and know him. We owe L. Bryce Chase a magnificent collective thank you. I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring Judge Bryce Chase for his productive years of public service to the community of Delano.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Dr. Thomas A. Crow, Chancellor of the State Center Community College District as he prepares to retire after 20 years of dedicated service to the higher education community. Throughout Dr. Crow's time at the State Center Community College District, enrollment has grown to include nearly 40,000 students, facilities have expanded and a strong commitment to the Workforce Development Programs has been forged. Tom is a San Joaquin Valley native, born in Fresno, California. He is a graduate of California State University, Fresno where he earned his bachelor's and master's Degrees. He attended Arizona State University in Tempe where he was awarded his Doctor of Philosophy in education. In addition, he completed his post-doctoral studies in Kinesiology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Tom has spent his career with the State Center Community College District working as a selfless public servant. During Dr. Crow's tenure with the State Center Community College District, he has served in a variety of capacities including Vice chancellor and assistant to the Chancellor. Prior to joining the State Center Team, Dr. Crow served as president of Reedley College for 7 years and as the superintendent for the Fowler Unified School District; both located in the heart of Central California. Dr. Crow believes in a strong community commitment and has been actively involved in numerous civic and professional organizations including the Rotary Club of Fresno, Fresno Business Council, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Jobs Initiative, Fresno Compact, and the Workforce Investment Board. The leadership that Tom has shown to the community of Fresno has been steadfast during his time of service. Dr. Tom Crow serves as an outstanding example for those who truly want to make a positive difference for students everywhere. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise with me today and join in expressing appreciation for Chancellor Thomas Crow's service to the field of education.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, today I will introduce legislation to help put our dairy legislation on track and prevent future dairy crashes like the one we're now in. The Daily Price Stabilization Act is not just about trying to elevate dairy prices. It's about returning stability to the dairy industry. I was raised on a dairy farm, and we know that dairy boom and bust cycles have always existed. But in the past decade, booms have gotten shorter and the busts longer and more severe. These highs and lows have forced many dairies to shut down. In the last 2 years, we've lost over $12 billion of equity in the industry; and, sadly, some dairymen have taken their own lives. This unsustainable cycle must stop. Dairies can no longer survive on milk checks that are lower than their cost of production. Our bill gives dairymen the option to grow as they see fit, provides incentives to better align supply and demand. Mr. Speaker, we must take swift action now to protect our local dairy farmers across the Nation. I encourage my colleagues to join in this effort.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Dave Koehler on his 20th Anniversary as the Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust. Dave is a native of the San Joaquin Valley, born in Fresno, California. He is a graduate of Fresno High School and California State University, Fresno. Dave and his wife Sharon are the proud parents of two sons, Shannon and Spence. Dave has always been an integral part of the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust. He began as a member of the Board of Directors, has served as the Chair of the Education Committee, and was subsequently named as the Executive Director. Under Dave's leadership as Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust, the organization has grown immensely. The acquisition of the Parkway lands, which began in the late 1980s, continues to be a positive work in progress. Presently, the Parkway Trust has acquired 3,500 acres of protected lands which includes the Scout Island Regional Outdoor Environmental Education Center and the Coke Hallowell Center for River Studies. These River Parkway Trust jewels serve as points of interest for all individuals visiting the Parkway. As a result of Dave's dedication and tenacity, in conjunction with staff and volunteers, several ecological reserves and trails have been established along the San Joaquin River between Friant Dam and California State Highway 145. The Parkway Trust has become a valued foundation of knowledge for all those who are interested in learning more about the river. Visitors from across our great state and nation are able to enjoy the history and importance of the majestic San Joaquin River. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise with me today to express our appreciation for Dave Koehler's diligent work as Executive Director of the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust and, on behalf of the thousands of visitors to the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust Lands, thank him for his continued dedication and commitment.