Jim Costa

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague Mr. Valadao, to honor the life and achievements of Peter Vincent Belezzuoli. Peter passed away on December 15 at the age of 61. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, auctioneer, dairyman, and friend to all who knew him. Peter was born on August 22, 1955 in Tulare, California to Pete and Louise Belezzuoli. In 1959, the Belezzuolis moved to Hanford, California after his father purchased Overland Stockyard. From a young age, Peter worked with his father to learn all aspects of the cattle business. He graduated from Hanford High School in 1973. During his years at Hanford High he was a member of 4-H and FFA, in addition to playing on the basketball team. It was his father's business partner Hoke Evetts that taught him the art of auctioneering. Following high school, Peter attended College of the Sequoias and graduated from Missouri Auction School as a Colonel in 1974. Peter took over his father's role at Overland Stockyard following Pete's sudden death in 1983. Peter continued his father's legacy through the passion he put into his work each and every day. Peter became very well known in the dairy cattle, and beef cattle sales industry both locally and throughout the country. He was an innovative businessman, utilizing internet video auction capabilities, allowing buyers from all over the country to participate in auctions held in Hanford. Peter had a number of hobbies that brought him joy. In his spare time he enjoyed visiting his home in Shell Beach, riding his pontoon boat through Shaver Lake and barbecuing for his many family and friends. Peter enjoyed giving back to the community he loved so dearly. He frequently used his talents as a skilled auctioneer for local charity groups, including the Kings County Fair and the Fresno Fair. He was also a lifelong member of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Hanford. Peter is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lisa and their children Julie, Daniel and Douglas, their spouses and three grandsons, Bryson, Korban and Peter. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join Mr. Valadao and myself in honoring the life of Mr. Peter Belezzuoli. He will be remembered as a man of great character, who valued his family above all else. His presence in the San Joaquin Valley and in the local dairy community will truly be missed. We join his family in honoring his life, service to his community and tremendous legacy he leaves behind.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Bobbie Summers for her outstanding work with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and to congratulate her on her retirement after 40 years of dedicated service. Bobbie began her career with the Social Security Administration in 1976. She was hired for a Claims Representative position in Hanford through the outstanding Scholar Program. After her time in Hanford, Bobbie worked as a Claims Representative in Southeast Fresno, West Fresno, Fresno Downtown and as Operations Supervisor for the Madera SSA office. In 1984, Bobbie was promoted to an Operations Supervisor position in the Fresno SSA office. In 1990, she was promoted to Branch Manager in Carmel. Bobbie returned to Fresno in 1993 as an Operations Supervisor. In 2003, Bobbie was accepted for the Regional Leadership Development Program where she worked in the SSA Office of Public Service and Operations Support on the SDW ramp up initiative. In 2004, she was promoted to Assistant District Manager in the Fresno office, and later that year, she accepted a yearlong detail to the SSA Office of Public Service and Operations Support where she worked on the cross program recovery project. Bobbie was promoted to Level 1 District Manager position in the Southeast Fresno SSA office in 2005 where she served until 2008. In 2008, she was given a detail in the SSA Central Office to assist with the transition for the newly formed SSA Office of Disability Determinations Division. She returned to her Level 1 District Manager position in 2009. Bobbie's ongoing hard work and dedication resulted in many awards throughout the years. Some of the awards she received are: The Commissioner's Citation, Deputy Commissioner's Citation, Regional Citation and Commissioner's Team Award. In is with great pleasure that I applaud Bobbie Summers for her many years of tireless work on behalf of the United States government. Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that in addition to her countless gifts to the Social Security Administration and our community, Bobbie has been a true champion for my constituents. In my office, a majority of our constituent casework involves the Social Security Administration. These are sensitive cases that can sometimes take a great deal of time to resolve. One member of my Fresno staff, Ms. Kelly Gill has worked closely with Bobbie Summers on Social Security issues for over twenty years and proudly recollects Bobbie always being available to discuss cases and work together on issues of concern. I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the commitment, dedication and success of Bobbie Summers and wish her well as she embarks on new endeavors.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and achievements of Mr. George Meskus, outgoing Claims Representative at the Merced Social Security branch, and lifelong resident of the San Joaquin Valley. In over 35 years of service to the Social Security Administration, Mr. Meskus has consistently shown his colleagues an exemplary degree of dedication and passion for his work, earning praise from his coworkers and the community he's served over the course of his tenure. Mr. Meskus's long life of service to the United States began in 1975 with his enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, where he would remain until he began his career with the Modesto Social Security branch in 1981. Mr. Meskus was initially hired as a Service Representative, but was quickly promoted to become a Claims Representative, and eventually moved to the Merced Social Security branch to continue his services. Throughout his time at the Modesto and Merced Social Security offices, Mr. Meskus has gone above and beyond the expectations of his peers. He has displayed a keen awareness of the sensitive nature which prefaces many of the cases he processes, and always does so with the well-being of his clientele in mind. He has proven to be a fast and efficient employee, and frequently offers his peers direction and historical perspectives on complicated technical issues that so often face members of the Social Security Administration. His willingness to take on more than his fair share of cases has been invaluable to the productivity of the branches that he has served. Such selflessness will be deeply missed by those who have been lucky enough to call Mr. Meskus their coworker. Mr. Meskus's decision to retire has been bitter-sweet news to process for many of his peers. The Social Security Administration is losing an integral colleague with a wealth of knowledge that has been essential to the efficiency of the branches he has served. The hard work and determination that he has demonstrated throughout his career has earned his well-deserved retirement to become a world traveler and to renew his devotion as a father and grandfather. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the career and achievements of Mr. George Meskus. His stalwart commitment to the greater cause of the Social Security Administration has bettered the lives of countless people in Modesto and Merced. As he prepares to travel the world with his wife, Gloria, we wish him the best of luck, and hope his journeys bring him a fruitful life in the years to come.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and career of Mr. Larry Pistoresi, Sr., lifelong resident and deeply involved community member of Chowchilla. Mr. Pistoresi's unfailing drive to improve his community has been an inspiration to countless others who have crossed his path. His genuine character and love for the people of Chowchilla will be deeply missed by those fortunate enough to have known him. Larry Pistoresi, Sr. was born in Berenda, California and raised in Chowchilla, where he spent his childhood and teenage years attending local schools. After graduating from Chowchilla High School in 1942, Mr. Pistoresi served in the United States Air Force for 3 years, and returned to Chowchilla to work as a car salesman with his father, Pete. After surmounting great success as a car salesman, Mr. Pistoresi eventually joined Pistoresi Chevrolet in partnership with his father, and brother Monte. After selling Pistoresi Chevrolet, Mr. Pistoresi continued working as a car salesman at Steve's Chevrolet until he celebrated his 92nd birthday. As a public figure and role model for the people of Chowchilla, Mr. Pistoresi's track record has excelled above and beyond what most would consider as impressive. Mr. Pistoresi joined the Chowchilla Rotary Club in 1949 when he was 25 years old, and did not miss a single meeting for 68 years. He was a founder of the Board of Directors of the Chowchilla District Memorial Hospital, which was created in 1954, and has served under virtually every position on the Board, including Director, President, and permanent Chair of the Finance Committee. Mr. Pistoresi also served in the Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce since 1970, where he had perfect attendance for 46 years. To list every accomplishment and public service provided by Mr. Pistoresi would require far more time than we have here today. However, it should be stated firmly that few people, if any, have served the community of Chowchilla in the same capacity, and with the same fervor as Mr. Pistoresi did throughout the course of his long, fruitful life. He is remembered by his family and friends, including his wife of 44 years, Velma, his sons Larry Pistoresi, Jr., Jerry Danieli, and Kent Danieli, his sisters Violet and Irene, his brother Monte, and many members of his extended family, 10 grandchildren, 11 great- grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and career of Mr. Larry Pistoresi, Sr., one of the most recognizable and hard-working figures in the community of Chowchilla. The level of devotion he has provided to the people around him has proven to be an unparalleled catalyst for the growth and advancement of Chowchilla.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a 12-year- old girl Emon Ali, who is stuck in Djibouti. Emon and her father, Ahmed Ali, who is an American citizen, are in Djibouti because of President Trump's flawed executive order to ban travel to the United States. The Ali family is like many immigrant families throughout our country, including my own, who came to the United States in hopes of achieving the American Dream. As Americans, we know that the Statute of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and new beginnings for immigrants past and present, and it is a symbol around the entire world for the values that America holds. Since the founding of our country, immigrants from all over the world have been coming to the United States to make a better life for themselves and their families, or to escape persecution. Mr. Ali and his wife immigrated to the United States and earned their U.S. citizenships in hopes of achieving that American Dream. They had been making a living in my district and are supporting their two daughters in Los Banos, California. But they have also been living in sadness and heartbreak because their 12-year-old daughter, Emon, was born in Yemen before the civil war. For 6 years, the Ali family has been working through the appropriate channels to get their daughter a visa so she can gain U.S. citizenship and be reunited with her family legally. On January 26, after years of going through a thorough vetting process, Emon finally received her immigrant visa--after 6 years. You could call that extreme vetting. One day later, on the 27th, President Trump turned the Ali family's and hundreds of other families' lives upside down by signing an executive order to implement a travel ban to prohibit refugees and others from coming to the United States. That is not the American way. Hours after this executive order was signed, Emon and her father went to the airport in Djibouti, passed through security, and, when boarding the plane, Emon was told by the airline that she could not board because of the recently signed executive order. The immigrant visa issued to Emon would have given her status as a lawful permanent resident upon entering the U.S. And since she is 12 years old and both of her parents are U.S. citizens, Emon would have immediately been eligible to file for U.S. citizenship. President Trump's executive order is preventing this legal process from taking place and is putting Emon and her father in harm's way while they wait in Djibouti. In the past 48 hours, the Trump administration has been defending this executive order, saying it is not a travel ban or a ban on refugees. So I would like to ask the President: How is this executive order not a ban on refugees or individuals who have been legally approved to enter the United States? It certainly is a ban for Emon. And how is keeping this 12-year-old girl out of the United States from joining her family making America safer? It is not making Americans safer. Extreme vetting was in place during both the Bush and Obama administrations. We just didn't call it that by name. This travel ban is flawed, both in its lack of adherence to American values and its technical execution, which is banning Emon from coming here, and it could possibly be ruled unconstitutional. A bipartisan group of national security experts agree that the executive order does not make Americans safer and could potentially put our country at greater risk for terrorist attacks. I agree with them. Since September 11, 2001, we have focused a bipartisan effort to improve American security for Americans both at home and abroad, and by and large, it has been very successful. It is our first constitutional duty to ensure the national defense and the safety of Americans, but I think President Trump's executive order is doing the opposite. The executive order will create a rallying cry for Islamic extremists around the world to say that America is now engaged in a war against the religion of Islam. No good can come from that. It is clear that this executive order is putting Emon and her father in harm's way in Djibouti. So, Mr. President, Secretary Kelly, I appeal to your compassion and to your common sense. This 12-year-old girl, Emon, has been extremely vetted for 6 years or whatever you would like to call it. She is not a threat to our country. Let her join her American family. My staff and I are working diligently through the appropriate channels with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to bring Mr. Ali and his daughter home as soon as possible.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the water conditions facing California as I have for many times over the last 6 years. Today, obviously, we have recent storms that we welcome in California. Over the past several days, my district has received above- average rainfall and snow in the mountains; and we welcome that. But also that presents flood conditions. After over 5 years of record-breaking drought conditions, of course, we welcome the rain and snow; but there is also destructive flooding that is occurring as a result of that. Regrettably, to reduce this potential flooding, we are having to let this water go out to the ocean. This precious water could be extremely beneficial to farmers, farmworkers, and farm communities in the dry years. But, of course, we can't store it because the storage is not there. This water could be used to replenish groundwater aquifers that were depleted during these drought conditions and could be carried over for ground storage for use in dry years. This water could help ensure that farming communities would not continue to deal with double-digit unemployment levels that we have had to face over the last 6 years. It is why we need to invest more in the water storage projects in California, both surface storage and groundwater recharge, like raising the gates at Exchequer Dam, building Sites Reservoir and Temperance Flat Dam. The WIIN Act that we passed last month was enacted in December, and it provides funding for water storage authorization and for groundwater banking projects. And just in the last several weeks, we have determined that over 130,000 acre-feet of water is available today for use in our farm communities that otherwise would not be available. It is my sincere hope that those projects and others like this, like the Los Banos Creek Reservoir and raising San Luis Reservoir, are advanced as rapidly as possible in the next administration so that we can begin to capture the much-needed water that comes from these storms as we have had in the last 10 days. Fixing California's broken water system requires a multiprong approach, as I have said many times on this floor, and focusing on how we improve the water infrastructure and storage capacity will be imperative as we work together to update California's water system, both here in Congress with the new administration and with the administration in Sacramento that is also trying to create a water system that serves California's needs in the 21st century. After 5 years of devastating drought conditions, we are now witnessing these large storm events which have created floods in certain regions of California. It is either feast or famine in California; and with the climate change impacts, we know that will only continue in the future. So as we reflect on the last 5 years and we look at the progress we made last month with the WIIN Act that was part of WRDA legislation, as time goes on, it is important that in the future, during the dry years that we will face more intensive drought conditions, that we plan and provide for those drought conditions by creating the necessary surface storage and groundwater storage projects so that when we have wet years--we have wet times, as we witnessed in the last 10 days, when we see greater rainfall amounts, increased flooding, and snow pack--that we have the water storage capabilities to meet the captured water during the wet years so we can use it during the dry ones. Common sense tells us that. I urge my colleagues in Congress and the people of California to continue to work together on a bipartisan basis because it is the only way we ever get anything done. So for the new administration, for my colleagues in the new Congress, and for my friends back in California, we must work together. If California, one of the most prosperous States in the Nation, the seventh or eighth largest economic power in the world, cannot fix the water challenges that we face in the 21st century, God help the rest of the world. This is all about sustainability--sustainability of our food supply, sustainability of our Nation. Food is a national security item. We don't look at it that way, but it truly is. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the new Congress and the new administration to build on the progress we made last month so that we can fix California's broken water system by using all of the water tools in our water toolbox, and we can only do that on a bipartisan basis.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and achievements of Mr. Hubert ``Hub'' Walsh, outgoing chairman of the Merced County Board of Supervisors and longtime servant to the people of Merced. Mr. Walsh has been an eminent figure in Merced politics for many years, occupying various elected positions at the city and county levels. His unfailing drive to serve the people of Merced in all available capacities has cemented his legacy as a leader, public figure, and role model in the community. Mr. Walsh arrived in Merced in 1967 with his mother, father, brother, and sister after spending much of his life moving from community to community due to his father's career in the Air Force. Mr. Walsh graduated from Merced High School in 1968, and moved on to attain his associate degree from Merced College in 1970. He transferred to the University of California, Berkeley shortly thereafter, and received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology in 1973. Mr. Walsh made the decision to serve his country in the United States Army after graduation, spending the greater portion of his tour of duty in Ft. Lewis, Washington, where he was able to concurrently earn a master's degree in Social Science from Pacific Lutheran University. After his service in the Army, Mr. Walsh married his college sweetheart, Rita Arzamendi, with whom he had two children, Melissa and Travis. Mr. Walsh then earned a Master's in Business Administration from California State University, Stanislaus, all the while remaining active in his church and community. Mr. Walsh spent over thirty years working in the Merced County Human Services Agency in various positions, which allowed him to affect a great deal of positive change throughout the city and county of Merced. Mr. Walsh has been involved in a breadth of public service organizations, playing the role of administrator and advocate for countless causes and groups throughout Merced, ranging from Parks and Recreation to drug abuse prevention programs. Mr. Walsh's decision to run for Merced City Council in 1995 would foster his long, fruitful career as an elected representative. After serving two terms on the City Council, Mr. Walsh was elected Mayor of Merced in 2001, where he served two terms before winning his election bid for a seat on the Merced County Board of Supervisors. During his time as a Councilman, Mayor, and Supervisor, Mr. Walsh's efforts to reinforce and transform the image of Merced have been immeasurably beneficial for the many people he has served. Mr. Walsh has routinely demonstrated to his colleagues and constituency that no issue is too big or small to tackle. This credence has earned Merced a litany of achievements thanks in large part to Mr. Walsh's efforts. Although Mr. Walsh's retirement finds us with a heavy heart, there is no doubt that he will remain an active member of his community. Mr. Walsh's passion for public service runs beyond the positions that he has held, but is evidenced throughout his whole career and adult life. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the remarkable career and achievements of Mr. Hubert Walsh. His tenure in public service will be appreciated for years to come.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Dr. Susan Walsh. Dr. Walsh is retiring as Acting President of Merced College after a long and distinguished career in higher education. Dr. Walsh's career is one marked by excellence through hard work, and her undertakings have refined the learning and administrative environment of Merced College. It is no surprise that as an accomplished educator, Dr. Walsh has invested a great deal of time into her own education. Dr. Walsh has earned five separate degrees, with an Associate's degree in Arts from Merced College, a Bachelors of Arts in English, a Certificate of Management, and a Doctorate of Education from the University of California, Davis, and a Masters in Library Science from San Jose State. Dr. Walsh served as a Librarian in Stanislaus and Yolo Counties, and has spent the rest of her tenure at Merced College in a variety of roles. Dr. Walsh served as the Director of the Learning Resources Center for over 31 years, but has intermittently served as the Co- Interim Associate Vice President for Technology and Institutional Research, Interim Vice President of Instruction, Accreditation Liaison Officer, and Acting President during her time at Merced College. The course of Dr. Walsh's career has earned her reception of a breadth of awards and honors, the full list of which would take more time to read than we have here today. In the last 12 years, however, Dr. Walsh has been recognized as the Woman of the Year by the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce, Merced County Chamber of Commerce, the Business and Professional Women of Merced, and California State Senator Anthony Canella. It is both fitting and appropriate that someone who exemplifies the positive values and work ethic of an educator has received such a title from so many reputable institutions. Dr. Walsh's steadfast commitment to listen to, speak for, and preside over the students and administration of Merced College has been essential to developing and maintaining a strong, positive image for the school, and her presence will be deeply missed. We hope that the next chapter of her life can be as fulfilling as the previous ones have been. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the career and achievements of Dr. Susan Walsh. Her strong voice as an advocator and administrator has been deeply felt for those that have walked the path offered by Merced College, and it is my hope that she can bring such positive change to anything she chooses to involve herself with in the future.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill for Flint, Michigan. It is a good bill for WRDA projects across the country. It is a good bill for California. Everybody knows that we have experienced over 5 years of drought conditions, the driest in 1,200 years. I reject the notion that somehow there is a poison pill. This is a bipartisan effort that Senator Feinstein, House Republicans, myself, and other Members from California have worked on for 2 years. As a matter of fact, some of the opponents of this legislation have provisions in this measure that they supported and advocated Senator Feinstein insert. The Obama administration drafted environmental protections, and one of the red lines was that it would not modify or amend the Endangered Species Act, nor would it change the biological opinions. Those are simply falsehoods. Falsehoods. This bill authorizes $580 million to offset for storage, recycling, and reuse and desalinization. That is very important. That is part of what the last speaker just talked about: recycling and reuse and water conservation. It also provides programs to benefit fish and wildlife. It also works within the framework of the existing biological opinions.

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I reject the notion that these are poison pills. People in my district and in their homes and my colleagues have been without water, in some cases, for 2 years. This is not like a Third World country. This is the richest country in the world, but farm communities, farmers, and farmworkers are suffering. This legislation would place a step in the right direction to provide people support to correct this broken water system that we have in California. I urge the support of this legislation not only for the people of California, but for Flint, Michigan, and the entire country. This is a bipartisan process and this legislation reflects that fact.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the real human impact that the drought has had on families across California's San Joaquin Valley. This drought has lasted for 6 years. Tomorrow, the House will have an opportunity to vote on legislation that will help address the impacts of the drought and begin to repair a broken water system that we have in California today. I hope more than anything that we can get the legislation across the finish line, but it seems that some of my colleagues in the House and the Senate remain unconvinced that a solution is necessary. I tell you that a solution is necessary and we are working on borrowed time. I would like to take the opportunity to dispel that misconception. The picture next to me here is Mr. and Mrs. Cabrera from Madera, California. I represent these constituents. As you will notice, they look happy. The reason they look happy is because, when I had the pleasure of meeting with them that day, they found out that they had received a Federal resource grant to dig a new well in their backyard. Two years prior to that day, their well had gone completely dry. For my colleagues who do not represent the rural constituencies across this country or in California, that means for 2 years the Cabrera family could not turn their faucet on to get water to bathe or cook. Instead, they went outside to haul buckets of water into their house. A 2,500-gallon tank in their backyard was where they got the water from. Some families are even less fortunate and had to have water trucked into their neighborhoods. Also, pictured next to them is Juana Garcia. Juana lives in East Porterville. She was featured in a Fresno Bee story last year. Her family and 700 households in East Porterville have no water. This photo illustrates the delivery of nonpotable water to Ms. Garcia and her family. They walk to the local church several times a week so they can take a shower. The Cabrera and Garcia families represent the faces of thousands of families throughout the Valley who don't have water and don't have a long-term plan to get water. They have been impacted. Farmers, farm workers, and farm communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley have been impacted as well. Without water, hundreds and thousands of acres of productive ag land have gone fallow. That means they are not planted. Without planting, that means no jobs and no water. Unemployment, in many of these Valley farming communities, is in the double digits and at an all-time high. While a California drought relief bill will not resolve every single challenge we face in the Valley and in California's broken water system, it will provide some relief to help these suffering families. To my colleagues in California and elsewhere who think that the language in the WRDA bill is a poison pill, I say it is not. This is important to help solve the problems of the people in this Valley to ensure that more Valley families do not become the victims of polluted water and dry wells. This is not a poison pill. You should not look at it that way. It is wrong. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House and the Senate to support this legislation and act swiftly, not only on the behalf of the people of the San Joaquin Valley but Flint, Michigan, and the others who will benefit in the very important WRDA bill that will be before us tomorrow. Time is of the essence. The drought-stricken community in California, especially in the San Joaquin Valley, and others who are impacted by very important and needed efforts that Senator Feinstein and others have put together as part of the WRDA bill, a bipartisan bill that Congressman McCarthy has worked on, should be passed tomorrow. Do the right thing before Christmas.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the First Church of God in Merced County. Their practice in faith and education has provided love and charity to the people of Merced County and the San Joaquin Valley for the last century. The future is looking even brighter for this outstanding center of community faith in the years to come. The roots of the First Church of God found humble beginnings in 1916, when the Bowen and Houser families moved from Lodi, California to Atwater to begin their fellowship. Their first church services were held in their own homes until they found the opportunity to rent the old Winton Community Hall for larger gatherings, with nothing more than dirt floors and handmade backless benches. By 1924, the church was able to raise their first building with a $350 credit and payments of $25 a month. That very building would now fit in the lobby of the First Church of God's current place of worship, which was built in 1961. The First Church of God's Christian Preschool was born in 1964 and has grown into one of the largest places of faith based childcare and in the Atwater-Merced area. The services provided by the First Church of God and Christian Preschool are as commendable as they are diverse. Sunday school, bible studies, troubled youth outreach, marriage counseling, finance and debt management, and shared missionary services in 87 countries are only a few of the programs offered by the Church and Preschool. The coming years will prove to be a fruitful time for this place of worship and education. Their undertaking of a $1.2 million project to furnish a new learning center, which will potentially double the enrollment of children in their facility over the next two years of operation. While it will certainly be challenging, their fellowship has said, ``faith is tested and demonstrated in the midst of challenges God places in front of us. If we had everything we needed to start and/or finish, it wouldn't be faith--it would be fact.'' Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the First Church of God for their remarkable service to the people of Merced County over the last 100 years. Their history illustrates the uncompromising will that individuals with big dreams can exercise when brought together with enough faith in God and community.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service, dedication, and brilliance of our good friend and distinguished Portuguese American, White House Political Director David Simas. After eight years guiding the policy of the Obama Administration it is both fitting and appropriate to honor his service to the United States of America where he helped craft policy that improves the lives of countless Americans. A self-proclaimed ``Kid from Taunton, Massachusetts,'' Mr. Simas is the son of Portuguese immigrants, Antonio and Deolinda Simas. Although his parents did not attain more than an elementary school education, Mr. Simas ever excelled under their parentage. His father taught him the impact political policy has on everyday lives and his mother instilled in him the importance of family and the support they lend in times of need. From his upbringing in Taunton, Mr. Simas went on to attend Stonehill College and later Boston College Law School. Returning home after graduation, he started a law practice and launched a political career of his own running for and winning a seat on the school board. Lending his talents to the local Portuguese community, Mr. Simas defended those in need and led successful political movements on behalf his friends and neighbors. Later, as an advisor to the mayor of Taunton Mr. Simas helped devise a strategy to bring down the city's health care costs, working with the public sector unions to reach an agreement that saved the city money while ensuring access to good health care. Mr. Simas became well known in Massachusetts policy circles, and in 2006, he joined the office of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff. It was not long after the 2008 election of President Barack Obama that Governor Patrick connected the two, officially introducing Mr. Simas to the President and starting a run of eight years of service to the President and our country. Calm, unflappable, clinical, and humble are just a few of the words used to describe Mr. Simas. He has taken his knowledge and political acumen and applied them to the service of the American people. He dedicated himself to pass health care reform, bringing coverage to millions who previously were left out of the American health care system. Mr. Simas has always thought about how the decisions he makes and the issues he fights for impact everyday people. From his childhood in Taunton's Portuguese Village to the West Wing of the White House he has always been an advocate for the disadvantaged and underrepresented. I wish him, his wife Shauna, and daughters Rowan and Payton the best of luck in the years to come. In whatever endeavor he finds himself next, I know he will continue to ask himself the same question President Obama asked of him: ``Are you doing something every day to help people?'' I am confident he will. Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation that I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the service of Mr. David Simas and his many contributions to the wellbeing of the American people.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Leslie McGowan as November's Heroine of the Month. The Hero or the Heroine of the Month is an individual in the community in the San Joaquin Valley in California who goes the extra mile to make a positive difference for the people whom I serve. Leslie is the CEO of Livingston Community Health, a medical and dental provider with community health center locations throughout Merced County. Leslie has been a part of the team at the Livingston health center for over 10 years, and she has been instrumental in the development of the success of the health center, which enables residents in Merced County to receive health services that would not be otherwise available. One hundred percent of Merced County is a Health Professional Shortage Area--not enough health care. In other words, the county has a major shortage of primary care physicians. The Livingston health center has an important role in working to fill that gap so that no one goes untreated. Most recently, Leslie led the efforts for the opening of the Wolves Wellness Center at Livingston High School. It is the only school-based health center in Merced County. It provides medical care, counseling, and dental services to students, their families, and local residents at no or very low cost. Additionally, Leslie has implemented programs like the Back to School Fair, Homeless Health Day, and an annual scholarship fundraiser to help ensure that people know that they have access to quality and affordable health services. This was all made available as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Livingston Community Health and its doctors, nurses, and staff work to ensure that individuals who live in rural communities--many rural communities throughout this country, many that I represent--and throughout Merced County have access to quality, affordable health services. As a strong supporter of community health centers, it is a pleasure to recognize and give a big thank-you to Leslie McGowan and her staff of doctors and nurses at Livingston Community Health. Water and California's Drought

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about water and California's ongoing drought. This week, the California Department of Water Resources announced that the 2017 initial allocation for the State Water Project is 20 percent--not good. I join with drought-stricken communities like those in the San Joaquin Valley and California farmers, farm workers, and farm communities who are all praying that the initial water allocation of 20 percent improves when the Department of Water Resources issues a final allocation not just for the State water projects, but for the Federal water projects as well. However, with the current operations of California's water system, it would take storms of Biblical proportions for these agencies that are served by the State and Federal Water Project to be able to increase those allocations to 100 percent. That is why Congress must act now to pass a California water bill that will improve operations to fix our broken water system. We need legislation to provide funding to improve our water infrastructure and to move more water when larger storms make it available, as in last weekend. California may soon face a sixth consecutive dry year. Therefore, as a result of the drought and the inadequate and broken water system, hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water have been lost, and 600,000 acres of productive farmland has, unfortunately, been left unplanted. Some families in my district do not have reliable water to drink, to cook, or to bathe in. The drought, together with the current water policies, are devastating to the San Joaquin Valley. So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to work together in these last few days as we try to assist the people in Flint, Michigan, and to bring together a package of legislation that will end the impasse that we have had and provide water if, in fact, the good Lord sees to bringing rain and snow to the mountains this winter in California.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of John J. Areias, who recently passed away this week at age 96. Mr. Areias was an exceptional father, grandfather, husband, dairyman, and friend, whose depth of commitment to improving the San Joaquin Valley can be matched only by his depth of commitment to those he loved. Born on April 21st, 1921 to Jesse Areias and Genevieve Silva Areias, John J. Areias was a first generation Portuguese-American from Volta, California. His family moved from Portugal's Azore Islands to California to begin a dairy, and to support a family. John's father put $10 down on 640 acres of land in western Merced County, where John spent much of his youth learning how to be a dairyman alongside his eight siblings. He was the valedictorian of Volta elementary, and moved on to graduate from Los Banos high school in 1940. John had an insatiable hunger for community involvement, which began with his high school's student government, and the Future Farmers of America. His leadership position in the FFA granted him many opportunities early on, one of which called on him to present cattle at the California State Fair. This is also where he would meet the love of his life, Mary, whom he married shortly thereafter. John and his brother Jesse then moved on to begin their own dairy, which quickly became the first grade A dairy in the Los Banos Dairymen's Association. Eventually their dairy became one of the biggest and most successful in California, but they never lost sight of the role family should play in their business. John's children played the same part that he did when he was younger, lending a hand in day to day dairy operations to support the family business. John was also very politically connected with Central California Democratic circles. He served as Chairman of the Merced County Democratic Central Committee and had been a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1960, where John F. Kennedy earned the nomination of his party as candidate for President of the United States. John was also a devout Catholic, serving as the Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. John is survived by his four children, Marcia, Lucia, Kathleen, and Rusty, all of whom left John immensely proud of their success. He is also succeeded by his five grandchildren, Eva, Nina, Bianca, Alexis, and Austin. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate John Areias Sr.'s life for his outstanding character as an entrepreneur, public servant, family man, and friend. His life is a testament to the power of the American dream, and the joy that can accompany it. He was a powerful role model for the people of the Central Valley, and will be deeply missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. I join John's family in honoring his life, and love for our community.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career and achievements of Sergeant Jim Pacheco in honor of his retirement from the Merced County Sheriff's Department. Jim Pacheco's wide ranging engagements in law enforcement have provided the Merced Sheriff's Department with a well-rounded law enforcement officer that will be deeply missed by those who had the pleasure to serve by his side. Sergeant Pacheco has served for the Merced Sheriff's Department for nearly 30 years. He was first hired as a reserve deputy sheriff in 1987, and was sworn in as a deputy sheriff only two years later in 1989. He then served for 14 years until he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2003. During the progression of his career, Sergeant Pacheco had a wide sampling of the many duties performed by the Merced Sheriff's Department. From the Sheriff's Dive Team, to numerous narcotics task forces, and as a SWAT negotiator, Jim Pacheco has served in many capacities to ensure public safety. In 1999, Sergeant Pacheco was recognized with the Officer of the Year award. His colleagues overwhelmingly recall his willingness to rise above the call of duty to serve his community well beyond the normal scope of expectations. Jim Pacheco's heroism has been resoundingly felt and heard by the people of Merced County, and we hope that his retirement can bring him the solace and relaxation that he has so rightly earned. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sergeant Jim Pacheco's career in the Merced Sheriff's Department over the course of the last 30 years. The retirement of distinguished officers like Sergeant Pacheco leave a tangibly positive mark on law enforcement agencies that can be seen and felt by communities in both the immediate, and future. We honor Jim Pacheco's commitment to the County of Merced, and hope that future law enforcement agents can take reference from such a fine officer's career.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and achievements of Mr. John Pedrozo. John has been a life-long advocate and community leader for the people of the San Joaquin Valley and has passed on his committed spirit of service to others. His awareness of the unique issues that face Merced County, and the solutions he has offered in response, have proven to be valuable assets in the development of our Valley. John's community ties to Merced are diverse and long-standing. After graduating from Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Merced, John moved on to graduate from Merced High School and Merced College soon after. John married his wife Kelly in 1979, and in her found someone who shared his commitment to improving the lives of others. Together John and Kelly raised three wonderful children: Kacie, Josh, and Anthony. They have followed John's example through both professional, and faith based engagements by assisting countless residents of the San Joaquin Valley throughout their careers. John has served Merced County in multiple capacities, ranging from leadership roles in the Future Farmers of America during his youth, to his service on the Merced County Board of Supervisors. John was a member of the Merced Union High School District Board of Trustees before assuming his 12 year tenure on the Board of Supervisors. He has also served on the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority for a number of years, some as chairman, which has enabled him to be a guiding voice on the direction of transportation projects in the San Joaquin Valley. During his time on the Board of Supervisors, John was a tireless proponent for enhancing educational opportunities for the youth in his district. His commitment to expanding access to youth programs for the children of Merced has been instrumental in improving the state of education countywide. John's steadfast support of law enforcement has also helped make Merced County a safer place, and will not be forgotten. As John moves forward in his life, there is no doubt that he will continue to find ways to help make Merced County a better area for all of its residents. His dedication to his family, friends, and constituents have provided a better future for the people of Merced County, and I am confident that his service will gain him further recognition as a man of honor and selflessness in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. John Pedrozo for his contributions to Merced County. John's service and commitment to improving Merced County has laid the foundation for others to contribute as he has.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements and contributions that Professor Charles Ogletree Jr. has made to the County of Merced. Professor Ogletree has positively impacted the lives of many people in Merced and throughout the nation. His efforts to transform the educational experience of underprivileged youth in Merced have created new pathways of opportunity for students. Professor Ogletree has used his career experience as a Professor of Law at Harvard to give back to his hometown. Born in Merced, California, Professor Ogletree attended public schools and earned admission to Stanford University. He earned his Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Political Science. Upon receiving his Master's degree, Professor Ogletree earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. To list the publications authored, awards received, and lives changed by Professor Ogletree would present a task comparable to the writing of a small novel. Professor Ogletree's passion to promote equality of law under the constitution is a theme that has persisted throughout his entire career. From 2002 to 2007, Professor Ogletree established a scholarship program with $50,000 in Merced. The scholarship offered low income youth a chance to work in recreation programs over the summer for up to 100 hours, making $7.00 an hour. Professor Ogletree has extended numerous scholarships to high schools in Merced County, including Golden Valley High School, Merced High School, and El Capitan High School. The tens of thousands of dollars he has offered to students in memory of fellow educators, family members, and friends, have substantially altered future education for Merced students around the country. To this day, the Charles Ogletree Family Scholarships are still offered to high school students in Merced. As a Professor of Law and Founder and Executive Director of the Houston Institute for Race and Justice, Professor Ogletree will continue to promote the cause of equality. His unfailing willingness to give back to the people of Merced reminds us that his career is not one that has forgotten its humble roots. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in wishing Professor Ogletree continued success in his remarkable career as an academic and advocate for equality and justice. His life is a reminder of the success that follows an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and the charity that can come in its wake.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give homage to the career and undertakings of Professor Anita Hill; a woman who has been at the center of American political discourse for over 25 years. Professor Hill's Senate testimony against Justice Clarence Thomas in 1991 shed light on important issues and generated significant legal change for sexual harassment protections for women and men in the workplace. For these reasons, it is both fitting and appropriate that Professor Hill is the 10th recipient of the Alice and Clifford Spendlove Prize in Social Justice, Diplomacy, and Tolerance; one of U.C. Merced's highest honors. Professor Hill's early career was one marked by excellence. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree with honors in Psychology from Oklahoma State University, she moved on to receive her Juris Doctor degree from Yale in 1980. By 1983, Professor Hill had already served in major roles under the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). By 1986, she had executed faculty positions at Oral Roberts University and became the first tenured African American Professor at the University of Oklahoma. Professor Hill rose to national prominence after her Senate hearing regarding the misconduct of Justice Clarence Thomas during their time working together at the Department of Education and the EEOC. Professor Hill's statements facilitated a nationwide discussion about the common experiences of women in the work place, which has empowered countless women to speak out against the injustices they have faced throughout the course of their careers. The subsequent tripling of the amount of women in the Senate, and the 60 percent increase in the number of female Representatives in the House that followed in the next election cycle are often attributed to the Senate hearings. Professor Hill has become one of the most recognizable national voices on issues of race and gender equality. Professor Hill has been featured on numerous high profile television shows such as 60 Minutes, Meet the Press, and more recently was depicted by Kerry Washington in an HBO movie about her life and the hardships she endured during the Senate hearings. She has published a number of academic articles with profound content, and has written two books which have won national acclaim. In 2015, Professor Hill was appointed to serve as a Private University Professor of Social Policy, Law, and Women's Studies at Brandeis University. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Professor Anita Hill and the legacy she established in our country. The United States has seen a great deal of strife and conflict, but figures like Professor Hill ingrain an unshakable feeling of strength and hope for the people of this nation. As Professor Hill continues to advocate for noble causes, we hope that she can remain a stalwart figure in discourse on social justice and equality.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Elizabeth Wallace. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and wife. Elizabeth passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2016. Elizabeth was born in Harbin, China on March 16th, 1944. At age 11 she emigrated with her mother, Edith, from China to Brazil, where she remained through high school. Elizabeth then traveled to California, where she met her future husband Joel ``Bud'' Wallace in San Francisco. They married in 1966 and moved to Merced, their home for the next 50 years. Although the Wallaces resided in Merced, Elizabeth identified herself as a ``Citizen of the World'', continuing to travel to many countries and fostering a lifetime passion for travel. Between her travels Elizabeth was active in the Merced community. She played an important role in establishing the University of California, Merced. UC Merced's Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Hall and Elizabeth's Garden, named in recognition of her, are used and appreciated by students each and every day. She volunteered regularly at the historic Courthouse Merced and was active in bringing St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox church to Merced. She and Bud built Red Rock Winery, where she spent time in the tasting room. Elizabeth is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Joel ``Bud'' Wallace; her daughter and son-in-law, Lillian and Mark Dutra; and her son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas and Lisa Wallace. She has three grandchildren, Allison Dutra, Michael Dutra, and Vladimir Wallace; and her dog, Tippy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Elizabeth Wallace's memory. Her love of family and commitment to her community serve as an example to all citizens, not just of our nation but also of our world

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. I thank the gentlewoman. Mr. Speaker, these policies will provide better support for victims of crime throughout the country, especially those who live in rural regions, and we have many rural regions throughout the country. I represent one of those areas in California, the San Joaquin Valley. I urge my colleagues in the House to support this bill, and I hope the Senate acts swiftly before the end of the year so this Justice for All Reauthorization Act is enacted before Congress adjourns. Let us remember, Mr. Speaker, that these victims of crimes are members of our families; they are our neighbors; they are people who we know in our communities and in our congressional districts. We know who they are, and we know that these are innocent victims of crime. This legislation goes a long way to address their issues. I urge the support of my colleagues.

Mr. COSTA. I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for yielding 2 minutes, and I want to thank her and the chairman, the gentleman from Virginia, for their hard work on this very important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, as the lead Democratic cosponsor of the Justice for All Reauthorization Act and the co-chair of the Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus, along with my good friend and colleague Congressman Ted Poe, who I know wanted to be here and who has worked so hard on this legislation, we as the chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Victims' Rights Caucus want those groups out there throughout the country to understand how important this legislation is. The broad coalition of groups that are supporting this and the bipartisan group of lawmakers who worked tirelessly to get this legislation on the House floor today is making a difference. The Justice for All Reauthorization Act will improve our criminal justice system, and it will strengthen programs for victims of crimes. The healing process for the survivors of violent crime, as we all know, can be extremely painful and it can be difficult. This legislation also helps those survivors by providing resources to reduce, as has been noted already, the rape kit backlog. It also improves housing rights for domestic violence victims. We have these centers in our congressional districts that many of us are familiar with where spouses and children go to escape violence. It also assists with hiring full-time sexual assault nurse examiners in every hospital throughout the country. Additionally, this bill ensures that the guilty are punished and helps to protect the wrongfully convicted by improving access to postconviction DNA testing. One thing we have learned for certain over the last decade is that, in law enforcement, DNA testing has become an important tool to apprehend and to prove guilt where, in fact, we did not have that tool before. These strengthened policies will better provide support for victims of crime throughout the country.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Manuel Cunha of Fresno, California, the recipient of the 2016 Agriculturist of the Year award by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. Manuel and his family have been in the agricultural industry for two generations. He farms citrus on his ranch in Sanger, California. Manuel has served as the president of Nisei Farmers League since 1996. The Nisei Farmers League specializes in labor, immigration, housing, transportation and environmental issues and represents growers and related businesses of many agriculture commodities. Before his current role with the Nisei Farmers League, he was an educator for thirteen years. Manuel was a teacher at Reedley College and California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). He received his undergraduate degree from Cal Poly in Crop Science and Agronomy in 1973. He also holds his teaching credential in agriculture education and a master's degree in Agricultural Education from Cal Poly. As the president of the Nisei Farmers League, Manuel has been at the forefront of several important issues in the agriculture industry, including air quality, immigration reform and government regulation. As a member of various local, state and federal committees, Manuel has offered his knowledge to help guide policies and legislation. Manuel serves in a number of civic capacities, as a way to give back to the community he loves. He serves on the Board of Directors for Community Medical Centers of Central California, the largest hospital in the Central Valley. Manuel has also served on the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and serves as a representative for U.S. Agriculture. These services are only a few of the generous contributions Manuel has made in our community throughout his career. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Manuel Cunha for being named the 2016 Agriculturalist of the Year. His great work in the industry and in the community is commendable. I ask that you join me in wishing Mr. Manuel Cunha continued success.

Mr. COSTA

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the valued service of Mr. Henry Lemay. Mr. Henry Lemay is a distinguished military veteran and community member in Fresno, California. Henry Lemay served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1954. Henry fought in the Korean War where he was wounded in Heartbreak Ridge on November 3, 1952 receiving shrapnel in both legs from the waist down. For his recovery, Henry spent six weeks in the hospital in Osaka, Japan before he was sent back to the United States. Henry was honorably discharged by the Army in 1954 and received many medals and awards for his valiant service in Korea, including the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. In July 2015, I had the honor to present the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal to Henry for his honored service in Korea and just recently he received the Citizen Soldier Award at the 2016 Fresno City College Veterans Day Ceremony. These are just a few of the many awards and honors Henry has received over the years. For the past few decades, Henry has made an immeasurable impact in the City of Fresno and the veteran community. Henry has a beautiful voice and has been singing at numerous veteran and patriotic events. Not only does Henry sing at veterans' events but for the past fifteen years, he has volunteered his time by singing at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Naturalization Ceremonies in Fresno. In addition to his community service, Henry has been active in many veterans' organizations and activities. In 1994, he became active in the Honor Guard formed by the VFW. Henry is also engaged in the AMVETS, the DAV, and the American Legion. In my Congressional District, if a veterans' event is planned, it is well known, Henry will be on the agenda, rocking the audience with the National Anthem or God Bless America. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Henry Lemay, an honorable man, a good friend, a man of great faith and a true American Hero. I wish him, his wife Carol and their family much continued success and happiness.