Jim Costa

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be present for rollcall votes taken on the House floor on June 8, 2017 as I had to return to California for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 295, ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 296, ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 297, ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 298, ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 299.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, let me also give a shout-out to Ananya Vinay, the 2017 National Spelling Bee champion, from Fresno, California. We are all proud of her accomplishments. Obviously, this young lady has a great future ahead of her. Congratulations, once again, on becoming the 2017 National Spelling Bee champion.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the foundation of healthy living and healthy communities: our food, which comes from our farms. This month is both National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month and National Dairy Month. Although we should bring attention to the importance of eating these nutrient-rich foods, dairy and fresh fruits and vegetables play a much larger role, as we know, in the health of our communities and our country, and they do so not just by providing us food. In California, we know that dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables are an integral part of our healthy community and a strong economy. Our farmers also provide economic development in other sectors as businesses are created and expand, investments are made, and innovations arise to support the needs of these farmers and farm communities. But the economic contributions of California agriculture--American agriculture--do not end at our borders. In California, we produce half of the Nation's fruits and vegetables, and we are the top milk producing State in the Nation. The men and women who own and work on these farms provide both nutritious food for our families and create thousands of jobs across the country. We know we must make sure that our farmers have the tools to do so, but our farmers need a reliable source of water, a legal and stable workforce, and access to export markets, in other words, fair trade agreements. We must also ensure that American agriculture is sustainable. We must continue to ensure that it is sustainable for our well-being and the well-being of future generations to come because the bottom line is food does not come from a grocery store. Food comes from our farmers and the land that they farm. Our food supply is a national security issue, but it never really gets looked at in that light. So by investing in critical programs and infrastructure projects--by ensuring that our farmers have the water, the workforce, and the access to foreign markets--we are not only investing in our farms, but we are investing in the long-term health and security of our Nation. What is more, people don't realize it, but less than 3 percent of our Nation's population is directly involved in the production of food and fiber. This is part of the amazing development of American agriculture. So equally crucial for the sustainability of American agriculture are our export markets and our trade agreements. That means improving NAFTA, continuing to engage with our European allies, and not turning our back on Asia. In fiscal year 2016, the United States exported $129 billion worth of agricultural products. We not only feed our Nation every night, but we grow more than enough to export abroad. We must maintain good relations with our top trade partners and continue to lower trade barriers to existing and new foreign markets. So let's not just focus on healthy eating during National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month and National Dairy Month; let's take the opportunity to discuss how we will work together to ensure that our farmers, ranchers, and dairymen and -women can continue to contribute not only to America's dinner tables, but to our communities and to our economy. The health and security of our Nation depends on it. Congratulating Ananya Vinay

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Mrs. Mary Henderson. Mrs. Henderson has devoted 50 years of outstanding service to the Dos Palos-Oro Loma Joint Unified School District. During these years, she has been a truly brilliant educator, serving her community and teaching generations of children in the Central Valley. Mrs. Henderson has selflessly devoted her entire professional career to public education. She began her career in 1967, serving as a paraeducator for eight years before becoming a teacher in 1975. Mrs. Henderson has been educating, impacting, and improving the lives of hundreds of children for five decades, demonstrating a remarkable dedication to education. In addition to teaching our children, Mrs. Henderson is deeply committed to improving literacy in our community. She has spent countless hours working with adults as well as children, teaching them how to read. Mrs. Henderson has been described by those who know her as an exceptional, skilled, and caring teacher. She provides her students with both endless patience and rich knowledge, and she always has kind words of encouragement. Mrs. Henderson is fondly remembered by generations of grateful students whose lives she has touched. Beyond her service as an educator, she is also an active member of Friends of the Library, supporting libraries in Merced County by volunteering at libraries and working on book donation programs and fundraising events. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Mary Henderson for the 50 years of extraordinary and dedicated service. Through her teaching, compassion, and example, Mrs. Henderson has left a lasting impact on her community. It is fitting and appropriate that May 26th, 2017 be declared ``Mary Henderson Day'' in Dos Palos, California.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. COSTA. I will accept that and continue to work with the gentleman and Chairman Goodlatte from Virginia, because, at the end of the day, to have some success and to move this forward, we are going to have to have reconciliation between the Senate bill and the House bill in how this is treated. I would hope that we would gain that agreement, and then we could move the legislation for signature. Mr. Chair, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chair, as a co-chair of the Victims' Rights Caucus, along with Congressman Ted Poe, we have over 70 members, bipartisan, to focus on protecting victims of crime. We also try to ensure that we protect the VOCA funding that goes for very worthwhile efforts for organizations throughout the country and to recognize and honor every year those who stand out on behalf of victims of crime. I want to commend the chairman and the ranking member for advancing this legislation, as well as my Senate colleagues, because there is a companion piece of legislation that is attempting to address this horrible issue in which you have so often young athletes--Olympic- caliber athletes--some who actually have participated in the Olympics, who, at a very young age, find themselves victims of these horrific crimes, through no fault of their own. Sexual assault, in any form, is a horrible crime and it leaves lasting damage to its victims. Sadly, some victims of assault are children who may be incapable of truly understanding what is happening to them at the time. However, years later, when this poor child comes to understand what happened, they are faced with the reality that someone who is supposed to be looking after their well-being actually betrayed them. This leaves real and very lasting damage that can take decades, if not years, for the person to deal with. In some instances, sexual assault victims may not discover their injuries or the violation until adulthood, years after the abuse happened, years after the processing of their own internal trauma, years after feeling strong enough finally to go public. A perfect example of this is in child pornography. How is a young child supposed to find, process, and accuse someone of a crime that they simply didn't even know existed? There are legitimate constitutional debates dealing with the criminal and civil process. We understand that. Current and future legal scholars will debate those. I am not a lawyer; I am a farmer. But as a farmer, I know we should be able to agree on one simple principle, and that principle is that these victims deserve their day in court, they deserve due process, and they deserve their time to face the person who assaulted them and to ask their fellow citizens or a judge for justice. It is our responsibility to do what we can to protect child victims and to ensure that they have access to the courts. That is what this amendment is all about. Mr. Chairman, I want to, in the effort of comity, offer this amendment, but I will ask to respectfully withdraw the amendment. This is an issue that is not going to go away. I know there are different perceptions on how we deal with this.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak about the significance of Memorial Day this coming weekend, which we will celebrate across our Nation. This weekend, I will have the honor and the privilege to participate in three Memorial Day ceremonies in my district. We will pause to memorialize and thank those American servicemen and -women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to mourn the loss with their families. Words, for me, never seem adequate to express a profound thank-you, having members of families and my own family that have served and that have made those sacrifices, for these men and women are our heroes. They gave America the most precious thing they had: the last full measure of devotion to country. Because they did, we are who we are today: a free and prosperous nation that is reflected around the world in most positive ways. Our valley and our Nation owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to these individuals and their families who so selflessly answered the call of duty, and our Nation can never, ever say thank you enough. Their sacrifice, bravery, therefore, must never, ever be forgotten. We must continue to work on behalf of veterans and their families. Whether it is cutting through red tape with their veterans' claims or helping with assistance programs or educational benefits, we can always and should do more. As President John F. Kennedy said: ``As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.'' So each day, not just on Memorial Day, we must work to ensure that our veterans and soldiers who today are on Active Duty in harm's way all around the world and their families receive the benefits that they have earned. On Monday, we will honor and we will remember and we will pledge never to forget, and we will say, in our most humble way, thank you.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about Asian Pacific Heritage Month. In May of each year, we come together to celebrate the Asian and Pacific heritage cultures that have made up America for generations. It is time to recognize those important significant roles that Asian Americans play in our American story. We are very lucky in the San Joaquin Valley to have a community rich with culture and ethnic diversity. Our Asian-American and Pacific Islander neighbors are an integral part of that richness. From the Chinese Americans, who helped build the transcontinental railroad in the 1860s, to the Japanese American farmers, who cultivated our valley in the early 1900s, to the Hmong and Vietnamese Americans who joined our community beginning in the late 1970s and 1980s after the Vietnam War, these Asian communities all have an important story that have added value to our country. As we reflect upon Asian Pacific Heritage Month, I am proud to join all Asian Americans and the Pacific Islanders in my district and across our country in celebration. So let me thank all of our Asian Americans for their contributions to our country. Celebrating Memorial Day

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia for yielding, and I also want to take this time to thank the gentleman from Florida and my colleague and good friend, Congressman Valadao, for the introduction of this legislation, H.R. 624, which I support. Mr. Speaker, as we know, identity theft throughout the country is a very significant problem. It becomes even more compounded in this day of the internet when we have to deal with a whole host of issues that make the ability to steal one's identity even more easily done. This measure attempts to try to address a part of that challenge by dealing with the issue of Social Security numbers. We all know Social Security numbers are key information used to identify ourselves, and we know that if they fall into the wrong hands, they can be used to commit identity theft. I think all of us remember when, at some point in our age, we got our Social Security number and we memorized it, and it is something that is very important in our society today. But many thieves find these numbers are incredibly valuable because they are a link that can connect a person's information across a whole host of agencies, systems, and databases in this age of the internet. Criminals can use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns, obtain loans, and commit other kinds of crimes. An estimated 13 million Americans experienced financial identity theft in 2014 alone, resulting in over $16 billion--with a B--$16 billion lost to fraud. In 2007, to combat these issues, there was an Identity Theft Task Force that made recommendations to the administration on ways to eliminate the unnecessary collection, use, and display--the display, which this legislation attempts to address--of Social Security numbers. Yesterday, the Government Accountability Office released testimony on these efforts by the Federal Government to reduce the collection, use, and display of Social Security numbers. In conclusion, the GAO testified that, until the Office of Management and Budget adopts more effective practices for guiding agency Social Security number reduction efforts, overall governmentwide reduction will likely remain limited and difficult to measure, and the risk of Social Security numbers being exposed and used to commit identity theft will remain greater than it need be. Again, this legislation attempts to help address that. The Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act would enact measures to help protect American citizens, especially children, veterans, and senior citizens, from identity theft and fraud. It does so by reducing the number of mailed documents the Federal Government sends to individuals that include full Social Security numbers.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Virginia. In addition, it also takes steps to ensure that, if inclusion is necessary, the number is not visible from the outside of a mailing. I think, probably, many of us have received mail that, in fact, had our Social Security number there and identified. As I said at the outset, this is no silver bullet to stopping identity theft; it is a commonsense measure to reducing it. Social Security, as we all know, is a promise made to those who have worked hard throughout their lives to contribute to the system, to contribute to the American way of life. It also provides those seniors who are living on their Social Security the ability to have dignity and additional security during their golden years. As a result, Congress must do what it can to reduce the strains on the program, particularly from fraud and theft. For all of those reasons, I support this legislation, and I support Congressman Valadao's efforts and my good friends from Florida and Virginia for bringing this commonsense measure to the floor.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 953, Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017. This legislation eliminates the requirement to acquire two permits for the same pesticide application under two separate laws and, I might add, if you live in California, there is a separate requirement under the California Clean Water Act that requires an additional permit. That would still apply regardless if this legislation is passed. In order to be permitted to use a pesticide, that pesticide must be approved under FIFRA, which includes an analysis that must be performed that finds it will not generally cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment or to the health. However, current law requires another permit to be acquired for the same action under the Clean Water Act if you happen to be close to a water body, and that is where the duplication occurs. Not only are these requirements redundant, they are expensive, and the cost of the individual Clean Water Act permit ranges from $150,000 to $270,000 and can take up to 2 years. No one wants to risk human health, not I, not anyone, but in my opinion this would not do so. We have Zika, we have West Nile, and we have a host of spreading of these diseases by mosquitoes in which this, in fact, can address those issues. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill in order to remove this unnecessary, unneeded regulatory burden and expense.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of the Honorable Ms. Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, a lifelong trailblazer dedicated to energy efficiency, who passed away on April 26, 2017, at the age of 69. Ms. Pfannenstiel was born on September 7, 1947 in Norwich, Connecticut. She attended Clark University in Massachusetts, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics and went on to get her Master's degree in Economics from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Ms. Pfannenstiel began her career working as an economist at the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control. With an interest in energy efficiency, Ms. Pfannenstiel moved to California in 1978 to start a new path after being hired by California's Public Utilities Commission. After two years, she went to work for Pacific Gas & Electric Company and parent company, Pacific Gas & Electric Corporation for twenty years. During her twenty years at Pacific Gas & Electric, Ms. Pfannenstiel served in various roles, most notably as Vice President of Planning and Strategic Initiatives. Through her leadership and collaboration, Ms. Pfannenstiel helped write California energy policy throughout the 1980's designed to enhance conservation. In 2004, Ms. Pfannenstiel became a voice for energy conservation in California when she was appointed to the Energy Commission by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and in 2006 was named as the commission's first female chairwoman. Her leadership did not stop at the state level. In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed her as Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and the Environment. Her continued dedication towards energy conservation can be seen through her work on the Great Green Fleet, a squadron of 10 ships and 70 aircrafts, which run 50 percent on biofuel. In addition to her time as Assistant Secretary, in 2013 Ms. Pfannenstiel co-founded a San Francisco start up called Advanced Microgrid Solutions aimed to enhance utility usage. Her legacy will be remembered through her accomplishments and the progress towards improved energy conservation over the years. Ms. Jackalyne Pfannenstiel is survived by her husband Daniel, two sons Matthew and Steven Deutsch, grandson Wesley Deutsch, sister Kathleen Pratt, and brother Richard Pfannenstiel. As a mother of two sons, she never missed their games, no matter how busy of a schedule she had. It is my honor to join Ms. Jackalyne Pfannenstiel's family in celebration of the life of this inspirational woman. She truly led by example and encouraged teamwork throughout her life. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life, remarkable career, and achievements of Ms. Jackalyne Pfannenstiel. Her dedication towards energy conservation will be remembered for years to come.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Mrs. LaVera Ethridge-Williams' 90th birthday. Ms. Ethridge Williams is a celebrated entrepreneur and community advocate, who has been a staple in the West Fresno community for more than fifty years. LaVera Ethridge-Williams was born in Boley, Oklahoma to John and Alberta Ethridge. She was raised in Wewoke, Oklahoma where she received her early education. In 1945, Mrs. Ethridge-Williams moved to Fresno and continued her education at Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno. Mrs. Ethridge-Williams married Lonzell Williams and together they were parents to three children. They've also been blessed with five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mrs. Ethridge-Williams made child care her life's passion and lifelong career. She often cared for her younger siblings growing up and cared for her own children, in addition to those of family members and friends. In 1968, she attempted to open her first child care center in Fresno. Although the banks turned her loan requests down numerous times, she continued her persistence. Eventually through private funding, Mrs. Ethridge-Williams secured funding to open her first infant child care center. After four years of working with the California State Department of Social Welfare and Department of Health and Welfare, Mrs. LaVera Ethridge-Williams' dream became a reality, with the opening of her first childcare center in West Fresno. Not stopping there, Mrs. La Vera Ethridge-Williams opened a chain of daycare centers for infants and young children in Fresno. LaVera's Infant Nursery and LaVera's Educational Center provided desperately needed childcare for working parents in the area. Mrs. Ethridge-Williams has been rightfully honored by numerous local officials and organizations throughout her career. These include, the city of Fresno, Fresno Unified School District and the Phi Lambda Society. Outside of her work, Mrs. Ethridge-Williams enjoys spending time with her family and several hobbies. These include traveling, fishing and attending church, where she is an active member. She has always believed that personal success comes with a responsibility to touch the lives of others through good deeds. Today, she works to provide shelter for the homeless. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. LaVera Ethridge-Williams as she celebrates her 90th birthday. She is an inspiration for us all, having lived her life to serve others. I ask that you join me in wishing her and her family continued happiness.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) on the occasion of their 40th anniversary. SJVC has educated over 25,000 students and started them on the path of successful careers. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor SJVC's dedication and service to the community. Founded on April 14, 1977, SJVC began with three students studying to become medical assistants. Shirley Perry, founder of SJVC, began as a medical assistant herself, in pursuit of certification. Through diligent studying on her own she became the first person to pass the certification test without schooling. Her impressive success was admired by many other medical assistants, seeking help from Shirley on their exams. This tutoring led to a teaching position at a community college. After three years, Shirley became unsatisfied with the schooling options and was inspired to establish the San Joaquin Valley College. Robert Perry, Shirley's husband, left his job to handle the business aspects of the college. In 1995, the institution was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. This accreditation allowed for SJVC to offer Associate of Science Degrees. The college now has 15 campuses located all over California, from Sacramento to San Diego. San Joaquin Valley College offers 22 programs and will soon open its newest campus in downtown Porterville, CA. The institution has been passed down to Mike and Mark Perry, the sons of Shirley and Robert, and continues to provide education to students across California. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating San Joaquin Valley College's 40th Anniversary, along with the Perry family, for all of their hard work and accomplishments within the past forty years.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to act together in a bipartisan fashion to improve the state of our Nation's infrastructure. It is long overdue. This week is National Infrastructure Week where we recognize the challenges we face in addressing America's transportation systems, its water systems, its ports, its harbors. Sadly, what we have to recognize isn't particularly positive. This year, the infrastructure grade that we received from America's Society of Civil Engineers, a national organization that is made up of some of the best and the brightest engineers in our country, gave our Nation a D-plus. That is not a good grade. Never has been. As a matter of fact, this same organization has estimated that, to rectify our Nation's infrastructure, we need to invest over $1 trillion, $1 trillion of new investments, to provide the sort of transportation, water and ports and harbors, that our Nation needs and deserves. So we must do better than a D-plus. Literally, we are living off the investments that our parents and our grandparents made a generation and two ago, and it is an aging infrastructure. We know from our country's history that the infrastructure projects that move forward most effectively are those combined with local, State, and Federal funding; all the governments doing their part with private participation. We, in California, are no strangers to infrastructure problems caused by a lack of investment, but we are stepping up to the plate to make the necessary crucial improvements. In my own district, the counties that I represent, Merced, Madera, and Fresno Counties, have all increased their local sales tax in order to pay for crucial road repairs, new road projects, highways, and other essential transportation needs. Last month, the California legislature enacted legislation that Governor Brown signed into law to increase the State's gas tax and vehicle fee to pay for roads, bridges, and other transportation improvement projects. Clearly, these are tough decisions, and they come with policy implications and political risks. I mean, let's face it, it is never popular, whether it is your local, State, or Federal level, to raise taxes to pay for these much-needed improvements, but it must be done. The last time we increased the gas tax nationally was 1994. In California, Governor Brown's decision to pursue high-speed rail, among other efforts, is a long-term commitment in the 21st century to do what is necessary to create the inner city rail and auto and air transportation, the interconnectivity that comes with that. There is a reason why we must do this. California has 40 million people today. By the year 2030, it will have 50 million people; the sixth or seventh largest economy in the world. So why are we not doing this on a national level? It is simple. What is lacking is the political will--the political will to come together on a bipartisan basis. Now is the time for the Federal Government to face this challenge head-on in a bipartisan fashion. And we know we can do this. Not only has the process begun in California, but many other States across the Nation have stepped up to the plate to put in resources to rebuild their infrastructure, and we must get serious about that. President Trump has made a proposal for infrastructure, and I think we need to ensure that that infrastructure proposal also includes water. Water is critical not just in California but in Western States and throughout the country. We need to significantly improve our water storage or water delivery and our drinking water systems. We have taken initial steps to meet these challenges by acting at the State and Federal level. In 2014, California passed Proposition 1, which authorized $7.12 billion for water infrastructure projects. Late last year, after hard work by many of my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion, the California delegation passed the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, or the WIIN Act, that was signed by President Obama last December. This law authorized vital new water projects across the State, including, in the valley, additional storage at the New Exchequer Dam, and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County, as well as funding for water recycling projects like the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program, and it will provide 50,000 acre-feet of additional water for both Merced and Stanislaus Counties. Although we have made some significant efforts to improve California's water infrastructure, this first good step indicates that we must build upon that and do more at all levels of government. That is what we must do on a bipartisan level. Let's take President Trump's suggestion and make this a bipartisan effort. This is an opportunity to invest.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to act to improve the sad state of our nation's infrastructure. This week is national infrastructure week, where we recognize America's infrastructure. Sadly, what we have to recognize isn't particularly positive. This year's infrastructure grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers is a ``D+.'' Sound infrastructure is literally and figuratively the foundation of our nation's economy. We must do better than a D+. We know from our country's history that infrastructure projects move forward most effectively when local, state, and federal governments all do their part. We, in California, are no strangers to infrastructure problems caused by a lack of investment, but we are stepping up to make crucial improvements. In my district, Merced, Madera, and Fresno counties have all increased their local sales taxes in order to pay for crucial road repairs, new roads and highways, and other essential transportation projects. Last month California enacted a bill to increase the state gas tax and vehicle fees to pay for road, bridge, and other transportation improvement projects. Clearly these tough decisions come with policy implications and political risks. This includes Governor Brown's decision to pursue high speed rail, which the President supports. There is a reason we are no longer investing in our infrastructure, and it is lack of political will. Now it is time for the federal government to face this challenge head on, and we know we can because we have begun the process in California. In the Valley, we have serious challenges with our water infrastructure. We need significant improvements to our water storage, water delivery, and drinking water systems. We have taken some initial steps to resolve these challenges, by acting at the state and federal level. In 2014, California passed Proposition 1, which authorized $7.12 billion for state water infrastructure projects. Late last year, after years of hard work by myself and my colleagues in the California delegation, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, or the WIIN Act, became law. This law authorizes vital water projects across the country, including projects in the Valley, such as additional storage at the New Exchequer Dam and San Luis Reservoir in Merced County and increased funding for water recycling projects, like the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program, which will provide 50,000 acre-feet of new water for Merced and Stanislaus counties. Although more must be done to improve California's infrastructure, this good first step demonstrates the type of success we can achieve when all levels of government work to do their part on a bipartisan basis. President Trump has stated that significant investment in infrastructure is one of his Administration's highest priorities. This is an opportunity for Congress and the Administration to work together on a bipartisan basis to invest in the future of our nation. But he must be more specific about the breadth and width of his vision. He needs to answer the following questions: How much will it cost? Where will the money come from? How will he incentivize state and local governments to come up with matching funds and get the private sector to invest? Equally important, what will the breakdown of investment be in the various types of infrastructure, such as transportation, port and harbor, and water infrastructure? If the President works with members of Congress to create a serious and smart plan here, there is great possibility for bipartisan support because no bridge, road, or dam is Democratic or Republican.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Pastor Lawrence Binion Sr. and his wife, Valarie Jean Metoyer Binion, as they celebrate 40 years of service as Senior Pastor and First Lady at West Side Church of God in Fresno, California. Residing in Fresno since 1977, Pastor Binion and Lady Binion have been a blessing to our Valley, and have dedicated their lives to serving others and bettering our community. Born in Fairfield, Alabama, Pastor Binion eventually moved to Los Angeles, California where he later met his wife, Valarie. He is a graduate of Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California State University, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelor's Degree in History, Fuller Theological Seminary with a Master's Degree in Divinity, and was conferred the Doctor of Divinity by the Southern California School of Ministry. Following his education, Pastor Binion moved to Fresno, California, becoming the Senior Pastor of Westside Church of God. One year later, he married the love of his life, Valarie Jean Metoyer, who continued her education in the Central Valley. Lady Binion is a graduate of Fresno Pacific University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Organization Development, and served our community as an employee of Fresno Unified School District until retiring in 2013. Pastor Binion and Lady Binion have dedicated their lives to serving our Valley with a passion for serving the Lord and bettering the community. Pastor Binion is known for being a Pastor of Pastors, advising numerous individuals, ministries, and organizations in our city and throughout the Central Valley. He has been a member of various community organizations dedicated to improving our community, including West Fresno Ministerial Alliance, West Fresno Healthcare Coalition, City of Fresno Police Advisory Council, and the Central California Prison Fellowship, to name a few. He is also the founder and chairman of Southwest Fresno Development Corporation; an organization dedicated to promoting economic development in West Fresno. Lady Binion has spent the last 38 years serving Westside Church alongside her husband, assisting him in ministry and serving as the Minister of Music and Worship Arts. Like her husband, she has also served with several organizations for the betterment of our community, including Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life, Feed Fresno Food Giveaways, and the West Fresno Ministerial Alliance, to name a few. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Pastor Binion and Lady Binion, whose passion, kind hearts, and selfless service have made an instrumental impact on the lives of those in our Central Valley communities. I join the community in honoring Pastor Lawrence Binion Sr. and First Lady Valarie Jean Metoyer Binion for their contributions and devotion to our community.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Emile Haddad for receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations. Recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor are individuals who embody American ideals such as patriotism, diversity, and tolerance. Receiving such an honor is well deserved by a man who embraces American principles while upholding his traditions of ethnic heritage. Mr. Haddad was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon prior to the beginning of the civil war. In his early years, Mr. Haddad attended American University in Beirut, where he studied to become a civil engineer. As a young professional in a country of instability, Mr. Haddad made a courageous decision to flee his homeland to start a new life in the United States of America. On March 3, 1986, Mr. Haddad and his now wife Dina, along with other family members, made their way to Ventura, California to join his younger brother and begin a new life. Beginning as a construction worker, and after multiple jobs, Mr. Haddad developed a passion for homebuilding and land-development. With an established career and now Chairman and CEO of Five Point Holdings LLC, the largest builder of mixed-used, master-planned communities in California, Mr. Haddad has helped redefine the unique global vision of twenty-first century communities for thousands of Californians. Mr. Haddad's inspiration for his work stems from his fundamental importance on a strong family unit. Married and a proud father of two now adult children, the communities Mr. Haddad builds reflect his vision for helping people live, work, play, and connect with one another. Additionally, his visions drive his commitment to education, which is why he serves on the advisory and leadership boards of four major institutions of higher learning: The University of California, Irvine, University of California, Berkeley, Claremont Graduate University, and the University of Southern California. To further his impact, Mr. Haddad's charitable giving also reflects his beliefs in giving back to the community. Over the years, he has received multiple personal honors, notably the Father-of-the-Year award from the American Diabetes Association and the Man of Character award from the Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Haddad continues to leave an influential mark as he remembers his journey to America and the path he has taken towards success. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the lifelong achievements of Mr. Haddad. I congratulate Mr. Emile Haddad for this great achievement and ask that you join me in wishing him and his family continued prosperity.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the evacuation and incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II, recognized today as the Day of Remembrance. Thousands of Japanese- Americans gather on this day to mark the solemn occasion of one of the darkest moments of American history. On February 19, 1942 President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The order allowed for forced removal and internment of anyone of Japanese descent, many of whom were American citizens and legal permanent residents. A total of 120,000 Japanese-Americans were imprisoned between 1942 and 1946. All those held were never charged with any crime, their only ``crime'' having been their cultural heritage. Innocent families were forcefully stripped of their home, jobs and livelihoods. Families were given ten days to dispose of their property and possessions, only allowed to bring what they were able to carry. My district included two of the sixteen temporary detention centers, located at the Fresno and Merced Fairgrounds Most of the 5,344 held at the Fresno ``Assembly'' Detention Center were there for six months before being transferred to concentration camps in Arkansas. Over 4,600 people were held in the Merced ``Assembly'' Center during the spring and summer of 1942, before eventually being taken by train to a concentration camp in Colorado. Achieving peace today requires recognizing the dark parts of our history and honoring the memory of those who were affected. Through the hard work of community members, today both the Fresno Fairgrounds and Merced Fairgrounds are home to memorials dedicated to the victims. Both sites feature plaques with the names of those who were imprisoned and stories depicting their harrowing experiences. In Fresno, the Fresno County Historical Museum features a permanent display entitled ``Japanese in the San Joaquin Valley'', highlighting those who have made significant contributions to our Valley. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in recognizing the 75th anniversary of the evacuation and incarceration of thousands of innocent Japanese-Americans. It is both fitting and appropriate that we mark this solemn day and pay tribute to the thousands of Japanese-Americans that were imprisoned and their families, who today are staples not only in my district, but across the United States.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Ken Fugelsang. Ken was a world-renowned enologist and professor emeritus of enology at California State University, Fresno. For more than four decades Ken shaped the wine and grape industry by expertly training students in the art of winemaking. His impact on his students and the industry will be felt for generations to come. Kenneth Claire Fugelsang was born on December 13, 1946 in Fresno, California to Ardith and Paul Fugelsang. He attended Central High School, Fresno City College, and graduated with a degree in Biology from California State University, Fresno in 1969. He would go on to earn his master's degree in 1972. Ken joined the Fresno State enology faculty in 1971. He and his colleagues were instrumental in the founding of the University's winery in 1997. This was the first winery licensed to produce, bottle and sell wine on a university campus in the United States. Ken trained some of the most skilled wine makers in the nation. He and his students won state, national and international awards in over 600 competitions. During his tenure, Ken was noted for his research. He was awarded more than 50 grants and published more than 150 technical papers, 18 books and countless academic journal articles. Ken's legacy will truly be on the impact he had on his students. He was known as a teacher, mentor and friend to many. Ken positively influenced the lives of many students with his commitment to their education and professional development. Ken is survived by his wife of 45 years Ann, his son Jeffrey, his brother Paul and sister-in-law Cheryl. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life and service of Ken Fugelsang, whose passion and service to the enology field has left a monumental impact on the lives of those he worked with. I join Fresno State and Ken's family in honoring his life. He will be truly missed.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Mrs. Patty Simonian's 75th birthday. Patty is a beloved mother, grandmother, godmother and friend to many. Patty Simonian was born in Merced, California to John and Mary Costa. She attended Central Union High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Peter Simonian. They would be married on August 26, 1961. In 1971, Pete and Patty decided to go into farming for themselves, forming P. Simonian Farms. The third generation family-run farm was passed down from Patty's grandfather. Patty is proud to be one of few female organic growers in California. She was quoted as saying, ``. . . I'm outside working, irrigating and doing everything that's necessary on the ranch, with the help of my children''. Patty is the proud mother of three children Talbert, Nanette and Peter John. She is also blessed with five grandchildren, Matthew, Jerad, Kylie, Kassidy and Caydin. Patty is a loving and generous mother to her children and was very active in their lives when they were in school. She is now playing a similar role with her beloved grandchildren. Patty's family is the greatest source of love and pride in her life. Patty and her husband Peter were active members of the Cabrillo Club, a Portuguese civic club that is dedicated to civic progress of Californians of Portuguese descent. Patty currently serves as the President of the Fresno chapter, a position her husband also held from 1997 through 2000. Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that Patty's 75th birthday is an especially significant occasion, as Patty is my first cousin. In keeping with the Portuguese Catholic tradition, she is also my godmother. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Patty Simonian as she celebrates her 75th birthday. I ask that you join me in wishing her and her family continued health and happiness.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of Judge Armando Rodriguez. Judge Rodriguez was an influential and honorable servant to the San Joaquin Valley. He was known for being a mentor to many, never hesitating to give his time to others. The San Joaquin Valley will be forever indebted to Judge Rodriguez for his tireless efforts on behalf of the community. Armando Rodriguez was born on October 31, 1929 to Jorge and Carmen Rodriguez. He was ninth of twelve children. His parents immigrated from Mexico, first settling in Merced, later moving to Fresno. After graduating from Edison High School, Armando married his high school sweetheart Betty Raya in 1950. During the Korean War, Judge Rodriguez served in the United States Air Force as a Morse code radio operator. Following the war, he attended Fresno State and then law school in San Francisco on the GI Bill. Judge Rodriguez began his law career working with the Alameda County Legal Aid Society and then with the California Rural Legal Assistance in Madera before moving onto a private practice in Fresno. In 1972, he became the first Latino elected onto the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. Then in 1975, Governor Jerry Brown appointed Judge Rodriguez to the Municipal Court, making him the first Hispanic judge to serve on the Fresno Municipal Court. Three years later he was elected as the first Hispanic judge to serve on the Fresno County Superior Court. As a strong advocate for education and the arts, Judge Rodriguez and his wife Betty, continually worked to make advances in the community. In honor of his wife's passing, he created a memorial scholarship fund to aid local college students. In addition, he and his wife were two of the founders of Arte Americas. To support the cultural arts, he contributed generous donations, engaged in community service, and personally refinanced the building's mortgage. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Judge Armando Rodriguez, whose generosity and unending dedication to the community will be greatly missed. Judge Rodriguez's memory will live on through the contributions he made to our Valley. It is my honor to join his family and many friends in celebrating his impactful life, which will never be forgotten.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dignity Health's Mercy Medical Center in Merced as this year's recipient of the Merced College President's Medallion. Dignity Health is one of the largest health systems in the nation, with 400 care sites across a 22 state network, including 39 hospitals. Through teamwork, innovation, faith and compassion, they strive to keep every patient happy and healthy. The Mercy Medical Center in Merced has provided a resource for all its residents by enhancing and creating the health care system of the future. Founded in 1831 by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, The Sisters of Mercy promised to serve people who suffered from sickness, poverty, and lack of education. After arriving in San Francisco, California in 1854, eight Sisters began to care for residents of a city who were struck by cholera, typhoid and influenza and founded St. Mary's Hospital, which is the oldest continuously operating hospital in the city. These facilities later expanded and were renamed to Catholic Healthcare West in order to serve a growing population, while still maintaining their vow to serve the community, and keeping a respect for humanity at the forefront of modern medicine. In 2012, Catholic Healthcare West changed their name to Dignity Health, demonstrating the respect and promise to provide health care and helping everyone achieve healthy and meaningful lives. Although Dignity Health's headquarters are in San Francisco, their commitment to provide health care for everyone and their compassion towards their patients continues to be demonstrated throughout the nation and in Merced. In the fall of 1999, two hospitals in Merced County began discussions with the intent of finding the best direction to meet the health care needs of their citizens. They agreed to build a single hospital, Mercy Medical Center, to support the addition of more advanced medical services that were not available locally. Thanks to this expansion, not only were they able to bring more resources to the area, but also recruit additional clinical and medical staff to the Merced region as well. Mercy doctors, employees, and volunteers have consistently met the health care needs of all patients, regardless of their background or circumstances. With the newest Mercy Medical Center established in 2012, I look forward to witnessing the benefits that it will bring to Merced and its surrounding communities. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the achievements of Dignity Health's Mercy Medical Center. Their long history has exhibited the dedication that they have in caring for all patients, and has demonstrated their commitment to enriching the lives of Merced's students in the future. For these reasons, it is fitting and appropriate that Dignity Health's Mercy Medical Center receives the President's Medallion from Merced College; one of their highest honors and most distinct privileges. I know the service they provide will inspire future generations who wish to work in the medical and health care field to deliver the same quality and excellence that community members have come to appreciate, and rely upon.