Paul Cook

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Sergeant Edward Kretschmer, United States Marine Corps, who will be promoted to Sergeant Major on June 3, 2016. First Sergeant Kretschmer has served in the Marine Corps since 1993. Over the course of his distinguished military career, First Sergeant Kretschmer has performed a number of duties, including Senior Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Instructor at the Marine Corps' Staff Non-commissioned Officer Academy, Company 1st Sergeant with the Second Assault Amphibian Battalion, and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Brigade Advisor Team in Afghanistan. Prior to First Sergeant Kretschmer's promotion, he served as the Headquarters First Sergeant at Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow. His overseas service includes a combat tour in Iraq and two combat tours in Afghanistan. I would like to congratulate First Sergeant Kretschmer on his promotion. First Sergeant Kretschmer is a fine example of the professionalism of non-commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces. His service reflects great credit upon the United States Marine Corps and the United States of America.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nathaniel Stocks of Phelan, California. On Friday, May 13, 2016, Nathaniel was awarded the ``Hope and Courage Award'' from the Fire & Burn Foundation. Nathaniel was selected to receive this award because of his heroic actions during the early morning hours of November 7, 2015. A fire started in his bedroom and awoke five-year-old Nathaniel from his sleep. Fearing for the safety of his grandmother, young Nathaniel crawled below the smoke to her bedroom and alerted her. Both Nathaniel and his grandmother escaped from the home without injury. The San Bernardino County Fire Department also deserves recognition for their role during this incident. Just two days prior to the fire, Nathaniel attended a school tour of County Fire Station 10 where the students were given fire safety lessons. Without a doubt, the firefighters at Station 10 gave Nathaniel the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure this positive outcome. I would like to congratulate Nathaniel Stocks for this momentous achievement. It is an honor to represent you in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 496) to establish the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area in the State of California, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am the author of H.R. 469, which establishes the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, encompassing roughly 18,000 acres of Federal land in central California, to preserve recreational and other existing uses in the area. The Alabama Hills are a range of hills and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and are used for a variety of recreational activities. The area has also served as a popular filming location for films and television shows. ``The Gene Autry Show,'' ``The Lone Ranger,'' ``Bonanza,'' and films including ``Tremors,'' ``Gladiator,'' and ``Iron Man'' were filmed, in part, in the Alabama Hills area. The goal of this legislation is protecting this area from the industrial-scale renewable energy development that is occurring in surrounding areas while also protecting existing uses. The Alabama Hills Stewardship Group as well as off-road groups, the local chamber of commerce, local and national conservation groups, and many others coordinated for over 2 years to share ideas that ultimately formed the basis of H.R. 496. In addition to the National Scenic Area designation, the bill preserves existing recreational and commercial uses of the area, including grazing, filming, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, hunting, fishing, and authorized off-highway vehicle use. This is a commonsense bill that will successfully balance a wide range of Federal land uses within the National Scenic Area and has extensive local support. This legislation is the culmination of the work of countless local groups and individuals. I would especially like to thank Inyo County Supervisor Matt Kingsley and Kevin Mazzu of the Alabama Hills Stewardship Group for their tireless efforts to make the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area a reality. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support its passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers. I want to thank my colleague for the Marine tag team comment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 184) to amend the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act to require background checks before foster care placements are ordered in tribal court proceedings, and for other purposes.

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under consideration.

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

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of S. 184, the Native American Children's Safety Act, which amends the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act. The bill requires tribal Social Service agencies to perform character background investigations of all foster care parents and adults living in foster care homes prior to placement of an Indian child into a foster home. This bill creates a framework by which tribes must conduct thorough background checks of individuals who reside in or are employed by a foster home or institution in which tribal foster placements are made. The bill would protect Indian foster children from being placed if the background check reveals a conviction by a Federal, State, or tribal court of felony child abuse, neglect, or crimes against children. S. 184 is the companion to H.R. 1168, sponsored by the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer). H.R. 1168 passed the House of Representatives by voice vote on June 1, 2015. These bills are the culmination of years of work led by Mr. Cramer as he and his colleagues in the North Dakota delegation worked to address a very sad child abuse problem plaguing an Indian reservation in his State. Passage of S. 184 is a critical first step toward ensuring that Indian children are placed in safe, secure, and loving homes within their tribal communities. Again, I would like to thank my good friend, the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), for his hard work on this important issue. I urge an ``aye'' vote on S. 184. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer), the author of the House companion bill.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 15 years of service given by Ginger Ontiveros to the Victor Valley College Foundation. Recently, Ginger announced that she will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director of the foundation. Under Ginger's leadership, the Victor Valley College Foundation was transformed into a regional powerhouse. Her expertise resulted in the foundation raising over $27 million since 2012. In addition, her tireless efforts led to the securing of $15 million in California Career Pathways funding. Ginger was also instrumental in professionalizing the foundation staff. She recruited seven development professionals, implemented an award-winning public relations campaign, and produced a quarterly magazine to connect the community with the college. Ginger may be leaving the Victor Valley College Foundation, but her legacy will undoubtedly live on. She truly made a difference in her community, but most importantly she improved the educational opportunities for students at the college.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the law enforcement career of Bishop Police Chief Chris Carter, who retired from the Bishop Police Department on September 30, 2015. On June 4, 2016, there will be a long-awaited retirement party to celebrate Chief Carter's distinguished career. Chief Carter's time in law enforcement began in 1983 while serving as a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. He served two years on active-duty and an additional nine years in the California National Guard. His military awards include the Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter, Hand Grenade Sharpshooter, and Pistol Expert. After leaving active-duty service, Chief Carter was hired as a police officer with the City of Barstow, where he eventually obtained the rank of corporal. His service with the Barstow Police Department earned him a number of accolades, including the California Highway Patrol/AAA ``10851'' Award for stolen vehicle recoveries, the Meritorious Service Award, and the Medal of Valor. In 2003, Chief Carter was hired by the Bishop Police Department and received promotions to the ranks of sergeant and lieutenant. In 2010, he was sworn in as the Chief of the Bishop Police Department, a position he held until his retirement. I want to congratulate Chief Carter on his well-deserved retirement. It is an honor to represent people like Chief Carter who dedicate their lives to making our communities better and safer.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an important dedication ceremony taking place this weekend in my district. On Sunday, May 1, 2016, the Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus will dedicate the Tudor House as a place of California historical interest. The Tudor House is one of only two locations in all of California that will receive this designation from E Clampus Vitus this year. Over 750 members of E Clampus Vitus, or ``clampers'' as they prefer to be called, will attend the festivities in Lake Arrowhead, California. The Tudor House has a long and storied past in the mountains of San Bernardino County. Constructed in 1926 as the Club Arrowhead Villas, the property served as a luxury resort for wealthy travelers. It boasted many amenities, including a dining club house, market, and sports facility. Following the Great Depression of 1929, Club Arrowhead Villas became known for its moonshine, gambling, and dance hall girls. There are even rumors that famous mobster Benjamin ``Bugsy'' Siegal was involved in managing the resort. By the early 1950s, the resort returned to more respectable forms of business and became an integral part of the Lake Arrowhead community. Today, the resort has been renamed the Tudor House and serves as a venue for mountain residents and visitors to enjoy various forms of art and entertainment. I would like to thank the Billy Holcomb Chapter of E Clampus Vitus for selecting the Tudor House as a place of historical interest. I look forward to participating in this weekend's festivities.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in special recognition of the Fray Garces Council 1830 of the Knights of Columbus. Established in Needles, California on March 5, 1906, Council 1830 celebrated its 100th anniversary at a special ceremony on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Named in the honor of a martyred Franciscan missionary, Council 1830 has served under the Arch Diocese of Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Bernardino. In 1950, Council 1830 moved its operations to Barstow, California and is an integral part of the San Bernardino County community. Council 1830 is active with the El Carmelo Retreat House in Redlands, California, has sponsored bingo events since the 1960s, and founded the Arrowhead-Desert Valley Chapter in 1959. I would like to congratulate Council 1830 on this momentous occasion. Their commitment to promoting the Knights of Columbus principles of unity, charity, fraternity, and charity make our community a special place to live. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, congratulations on 100 years of service.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two outstanding Marines who were recently selected as the Marine and Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. Lance Corporal Cristina Zamora was named the Marine of the Quarter. Lance Corporal Zamora, a native of Los Angeles, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2014 and currently serves as a postal clerk. This past summer, she participated in and won the High Intensity Tactical Training Competition at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. Lance Corporal Zamora then went on to participate against winners from other Marine Corps installations and finished in the top 10 overall. She certainly earned the title of Marine of the Quarter. There are many of you here today who haven't served in the Armed Forces, but it's important to know that noncommissioned officers are the backbone of our military. I'm proud to announce that Corporal Natori Miller was named the Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. Corporal Miller enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2011 and has taken full advantage of the educational and leadership opportunities at her disposal. She has participated and excelled in the Military Academic Skills Program, and she serves as president of the Single Marines Program at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. Corporal Miller is truly a leader of Marines in every sense of the word. Again, congratulations to Lance Corporal Zamora and Corporal Miller for their dedication to the United States Marine Corps and the United States of America. Semper Fi, Devil Dogs.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a great Marine and a valuable asset to our civilian workforce. Since 2013, Chad Hildebrandt has been the Rail Operations Supervisor and subject matter expert on rail transportation for the Marine Corps Logistics Base--Barstow. Not only has Chad overseen the rail, truck, and air shipments of equipment for rotational training units, he has improved efficiency and streamlined logistics for the Marine Corps, saving millions of dollars in transportation costs and directly contributing to increased military readiness. More importantly, he has taken the time to train the next generation of our military logisticians, developing over 500 Marines, soldiers, and civilians to follow his example at logistics bases worldwide. Today, Chad will be named the 2015 Civilian Marine Logistician of the Year as the top civilian logistician in the nation. Later this year, Chad will also be named the Marine Corps Installations Command's Civilian of the Year, as the Marine Corps top civilian employee. This recognition is well deserved, as the Marines would be unable to do the training that they do without the extraordinary efforts from extraordinary people like Chad Hildebrandt. You make the 8th District proud, Chad. Semper Fi.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an important ceremony that took place in my district on Friday, April 8, 2016. A stretch of State Highway 18 located in the San Bernardino mountains was dedicated as the ``Rim of the World Veterans Memorial Highway.'' I want to thank California State Assemblyman Jay Obernolte for authoring Assembly Concurrent Resolution 21, which was the legislation that was passed by the California State Assembly to rename Highway 18. More importantly, though, I would like to commend the members of American Legion Post 360 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9624 for their tireless efforts to make this dedication come to fruition. Renaming Highway 18 to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who served in our Armed Forces exemplifies the respect that residents in the mountain communities of San Bernardino County have for our veterans. I look forward to seeing the new signage on my next trip to the mountains. Thank you to everyone who was involved in making this special day possible but, most importantly, thank you to the veterans who've made America the greatest nation on earth.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Apple Valley, California resident Enrique Arcilla for earning first place in a student essay competition for the Mojave Water Agency. For winning the competition, Enrique will receive a $5,000 scholarship. The theme of the competition was ``Predicting Our Future by Our Own Design,'' with a goal of increasing discussion about ensuring water reliability in the High Desert. Enrique's winning essay was titled ``The Path to Sustainability.'' On April 13, 2016, Enrique will present his essay at the 2016 High Desert Water Summit. Other finalists, who will receive $1,000 scholarships, were Raeven Jones of Apple Valley, Nolan Serumaga of Victorville, Emilia Cloutman of Hesperia, and Geng-Wei Lee of Barstow. Again, congratulations to Enrique and all the finalists on this impressive achievement and for their interest in water conservation. Water usage is a particularly important issue for my district and California as a whole. Keep up the great work.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 150th anniversary of Inyo County, California, which was established by the California State Legislature on March 22, 1866. Inyo County is home to many famous landmarks, including Death Valley National Park and Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States. On March 22, 2016, the Inyo County Board of Supervisors will be hosting a formal ceremony in celebration of this remarkable milestone. While I won't be able to attend this special event, I look forward to visiting this beautiful part of our country later this year for the world famous Mule Days celebration. Again, congratulation to the citizens of Inyo County, who will be celebrating the 150th anniversary on March 22, 2016.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Victor Valley High School alumni, students, and staff on the 100th anniversary of their school. This Saturday, hundreds of current and former Jackrabbits will take part in a special ceremony to commemorate this momentous occasion. Founded as a one-room school house in 1915, Victor Valley High School has since grown to become known as the Victor Valley Union High School District. This district serves over 9,600 students and boasts Boston Red Sox owner John Henry and mixed martial arts legend Dan Henderson among its alumni. I want to commend the Victor Valley Union High School district on this remarkable achievement. The service they provide to students in the Victor Valley is invaluable and I look forward to another 100 years of success.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the memory of Michael Phillip Gouin, who tragically passed away on February 16, 2016. Michael's life was taken by a drunk driver who struck his motorcycle in Oro Grande, California. Michael was employed by the Helendale Community Services District as a wastewater treatment plant operator. Previously, he served honorably in the United States Navy and obtained his bachelor's degree from San Diego State University after his time in the service. He also spent time as an employee for the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority some years ago. Michael was well-known throughout the community of Helendale. He will be remembered for his friendly demeanor and willingness to volunteer his spare time as a youth soccer coach. I would like to pass along my condolences to Michael's father, mother, and sister, who are undoubtedly in a tremendous amount of pain right now. His family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I ask that this body do the same in the memory of Michael Phillip Gouin.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Steven Lantsberger who will be retiring from the City of Hesperia after 18 years of service. Mr. Lantsberger is the Director of the city's Economic Development Department. Mr. Lantsberger has spent nearly 30 years in the fields of economic development and redevelopment. He spearheaded Hesperia's successful efforts to create an Enterprise Zone and Recycling Market Development Zone. His innovative thinking has led to the creation of thousands of jobs in northern and southern California. Mr. Lantsberger holds numerous professional certifications, including Economic Development Finance Professional, Housing Development Finance Professional, and Real Estate Broker and Appraiser. I want to thank Mr. Lantsberger for his years of service to the City of Hesperia and its citizens. His contributions will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the people he served. I wish him the best of luck as he enters the newest chapter of his life.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Captain Gregg Wielenga, who was recently promoted to the position of Captain for the Hesperia, California Sheriff's station. Captain Wielenga is a twenty-five year veteran of law enforcement and has served with the department since 1990. Over the course of his distinguished career, Captain Wielenga has served the citizens of San Bernardino County in a variety of ways. His assignments have included Patrol Deputy in Needles, Detective in the Victor Valley, and Sergeant at the county's jail facilities. Prior to Captain Wielenga's recent promotion he served as the Lieutenant at the Hesperia station. I would like to congratulate Captain Wielenga on his new position. He exemplifies the professionalism of the men and women of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. I am honored to have him serving the people of Hesperia and wish him the best of luck.