John Doolittle

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Yes. I did indicate that this only applies to a primary residence. A foreign investor could indicate that----

Mr. DOOLITTLE. You would have to be entitled to have a Social Security number, which, as I understand it, would be someone who is employed here.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. A parent wouldn't need the Social Security number.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Well, if the parents want to buy you a home, it would be their investment.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. As I understand it, Mr. Chairman, the answer to that would be yes.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Well, because the owner of the home is the parents.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. It is true the student himself wouldn't be able to purchase the home. But the parents----

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Chairman, I thought I made clear, the bill allows for foreign investment in the country. The student, under the provisions of this amendment, himself would not be able to buy the home if he were a student not able to work, therefore not having a Social Security.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Then the student couldn't buy it.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. That is correct.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Well, obviously the intent is valid Social Security numbers.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, I was, like many of my colleagues, shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news about Juanita. Grace Napolitano had just brought by a nice card for Members to sign on Friday, I think it was, and here I realize that she has passed away. I just had no idea. It was my privilege to serve with her in the House Administration Committee when she was the ranking member, and Juanita was a passionate advocate for her ideas and her beliefs. Sometimes she and I would argue with each other, but it was never with any personal disagreement. I liked her, I thought highly of her, and would just like to join with my colleagues in acknowledging her fine service here in the House of Representatives, her dedication to California, her desire to make a difference. I always admired her love and devotion to family, and I join with my colleagues in saying that I will miss her, and I am very sorry that this has happened.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize and honor two fine volunteers, Ralph Franzen and Richard Paradis, upon their retirement after years of service ensuring the health and safety of the residents of California on the slopes of the famed and historic Squaw Valley Ski Resort. Ralph and Richard both served on the Squaw Valley National Ski Patrol (SVNSP), an organization of approximately 95 unpaid volunteers who are trained in outdoor emergency care, CPR, and winter rescue. They combined first aid and skiing skills to serve the ski area and public at Squaw Valley USA near Lake Tahoe, California. While on duty at Squaw Valley, patrollers are agents of the resort and work under the direction of the Squaw Valley Ski Patrol Department. Together with the paid patrol staff, they are always among the first on the mountain in the morning and the last off, regardless of weather or snow conditions. The patrollers' primary function is to provide basic life support, first aid, rescue, and on-the-slope transportation to injured resort guests. Besides first aid and winter rescue duties, volunteer patrol members frequently assist with the skier safety program on the two-mile long Mountain Run to ensure the general safety of the skiing/ snowboarding public at Squaw Valley. Madam Speaker, both of these distinguished gentlemen have spent 35-40 days a year working as volunteers on the Squaw Valley Ski Patrol, providing for the health and safety of the skiers on the mountain. Richard Paradis joined the Squaw Valley National Ski Patrol in 1961 and Ralph Franzen in 1972. They have provided care for countless injured skiers with every level of injury. Over the course of their careers, Ralph Franzen and Richard Paradis have received commendations for rescuing individuals from life threatening situations and injuries. Today, they deserve further recognition upon their retirement. Ralph and Richard are outstanding volunteers who have proven themselves over the years as certified instructors in first aid, outdoor emergency care, toboggan, and rescue equipment usage. These gentlemen have dedicated countless hours to training the current generation of ski patrol men and women and, as a result, have received the admiration and respect of their fellow Ski Patrol members. Ralph Franzen and Richard Paradis truly are heroes to the many they have helped save and mend over the years. They are outstanding representatives of the community who have proven records of commitment to public service and their fellow man. Thank you, Ralph Franzen and Richard Paradis, for your years of dedicated service.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, today I wish to remember and honor a man who was a businessman, community leader and icon in Northern California, Mr. Frank Amaral. After a lifetime of dedication to his family and community, Frank passed away on March 5, 2007. He was 88 years old. Frank Amaral was one of Nevada City's most successful real estate investors. Mr. Amaral displayed astute skills of negotiation and business savvy, many of which he honed earlier in his career in the lumber industry, working as managing partner of the Oregon Creek Lumber Company in Camptonville, California. Frank Amaral was also one of Nevada County's early developers and helped transform Grass Valley and Nevada City from unknown destinations to the wonderful communities they are today. However, Frank's success as an adult contrasted with his humble roots. Born on June 19, 1918, in Orland, California, he was the youngest of four children. Frank's parents, Cardoza Amaral and Rosa Julia Bettencourt Amaral, were Portuguese immigrants from the Azores Islands. Frank lost his father when he was 6. As a 13-year-old farm laborer who supported his family during the Depression, Frank hated being poor and worked diligently to better his social status. A rough upbringing did not deter Frank from a long list of impressive life achievements. Mr. Amaral bought the Oregon Creek Lumber Company in 1958 and started buying timberland all throughout Northern California, Oregon and Idaho. At the height of his career in the lumber business, he owned over 100,000 acres of timberland, according to a recent publication. He also bought local properties during the 1950s. Frank's holdings included property at Jackson Meadows, Milton Reservoir, Lake Olympia, Brunswick sawmill, the Murchie Mine property, Deer Creek Park, Stonebridge and the North Star Mine, which he co-owned. In 1966, he retired from the lumber business, developing the properties he owned and selling them off as parcels. He diversified his interests, buying farmland in Los Banos and commercial properties in Southern California. Frank Amaral was also a thoughtful and civic-minded philanthropist who made great contributions to his community and region. For example, the Nevada County Fairgrounds has seen the impact of Mr. Amaral's work in the community for years. The Amaral Family Festival Center was named in his honor after the family made a large donation for its renovation. But, for years before that, the Amarals donated land, money and time to many causes behind the scenes, proving to many their dedication to helping others. The site of Nevada County's first Juvenile Hall and the land where the Madelyn Helling Library sits both were gifts from the Amarals. Most importantly, Frank Amaral was devoted to his family and was committed to acts of charity. For years, Frank and LaVonne Amaral donated money anonymously to local organizations following their Catholic belief that charity should not be publicized. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, LaVonne, and his two children, Lance Amaral and Julia Amaral. May he rest in peace.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my great concern over the current funding situation facing rural schools. The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 provided compensation to counties with a large presence of Nation Forest lands. Unfortunately, the law authorizing these payments expired at the end of 2006. When it became apparent the reauthorization would not pass the House through regular order during the 109th Congress, my colleagues and I introduced H.R. 6423, which would have extended the funding for one year, providing us with more time to work for a long-term solution. Despite our efforts, the 109th Congress adjourned without reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. However, I maintain my commitment to providing this much-needed funding for rural counties. I fully support the reauthorization of this law, which provides essential funding for over 4,400 schools in 780 counties. This money compensates counties for the loss of tax revenue as the Federal Government placed large amounts of land in forest reserves. The revenue-sharing mechanism that was created for the counties when this land transfer occurred is no longer viable due to decreasing timber sales. With nearly 5.5 million acres of National Forests in my Congressional District, my counties are greatly affected by the expiration of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. As an example from a county in my district, Plumas County School District receives roughly $2.5 million annually from this program, which represents 20 percent of their annual operating budget. Without this funding, the County is preparing to: Lay off 9 administrators (out of a total of 16); lay off 47 teachers (out of a total of 150); close all school libraries; possibly close some or all cafeterias and cut transportation activities. In Sierra County, schools will be shut down and students will be bussed up to 3 hours over the State line to attend school in Nevada. As you can see, reauthorization of this program is essential. The Federal Government has a responsibility to compensate these counties from which large amounts of land were taken to create the National Forest System, and by failing to produce a real solution that will provide this funding, we are neglecting that responsibility. I was disappointed to see that no funding was provided for rural schools in the continuing resolution we have recently passed. I am hopeful that the emergency supplemental we will soon consider will contain the needed funding for these counties, which are truly in dire circumstances.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, five and a half years ago, our Nation was attacked by terrorists opposed to freedom and individual liberty. Our President vowed to keep Americans safe by taking the fight to the terrorists, and holding the regimes that support them accountable. We are currently engaged in that fight. Like any war this size, mistakes have been made, but we must continue to progress. The consequences of failure in Iraq would be dire. Allowing al-Qaeda the opportunity to gain a safe hold would be dangerous to Americans. Leaving before the Iraqi government can defend itself would only lead to further destabilization, and open the door to outside influence from countries such as Iran, which has called for the downfall of our society and for the destruction of Israel, our ally in the Middle East. With violence headlining the nation's nightly news, at times we forget that successes have been achieved. Through successful elections which achieved a 70 percent turnout, we know that the citizens of Iraq have rejected the brutal rule of Saddam Hussein, and strive for peace and prosperity. But violence supported by al-Qaeda, the remnants of Saddam Hussein's government, and armed militias, have created difficult conditions for diplomacy. Our President, working with a wide range of involved professionals, has created a new strategy to ensure progress in Iraq. James Baker and Lee Hamilton, the leaders of the Iraq Study Group, have called for support of the President's plan. General Petraeus supports the President's plan. But Democrat leaders are bringing a non-binding resolution to the floor, denouncing the President's objectives. This resolution, without any power of law or policy objective, is merely political gamesmanship, and it is dangerous to Americans and our troops in harm's way. We are in the midst of an ongoing military operation; our soldiers are engaging al-Qaeda and violent insurgents. We have set objectives, but Democrat leaders want us to vote on a resolution that sets us up for failure and attempts to retroactively impede a military operation that is currently underway. General Petraeus has stated this will only embolden the enemy, and I agree. Many Democrats have stated this is only the first step toward cutting the funding for our troops in Iraq, and forcing a withdrawal before stability has been achieved. But the majority offers no plan to achieve stability. Without any other alternative, withdrawal can only lead to defeat. Our troops should have every confidence their government will ensure they have the necessary supplies and funding to achieve their mission. Military leaders should be able to move forward with their directives without fear that Congress is working to tie their hands. Yet this objective has been the stated one of the majority: to precipitate a withdrawal by slowly cutting off funding to our soldiers. I believe this is the wrong approach to supporting our troops currently involved in the military operation. This resolution does nothing to win the war, and by not allowing amendments or other measures to be considered, true debate is being restricted. It is my hope, for the safety of our troops and for the good of the Nation, that all members of the House may reject this political maneuver and truly stand behind those men and women called to duty by our Commander in Chief.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the chairman of the committee, Mr. Rahall, and the ranking member, Mr. Young, and also thank Mrs. Napolitano and Mrs. McMorris Rodgers for their help on this legislation. This has been quite a few years in production. The pump station is almost complete. It will be completed next year sometime, we anticipate; and we would like to have this last detail of the transfer put in order. You have heard the explanation as to why we need the legislation, fulfilling an obligation made by the Federal Government years ago to the Placer County Water Agency. I am very appreciative to our colleagues for bringing this bill up and urge its passage. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here today in support of H.R. 482, the American River Pump Station Project Transfer Act. This legislation will authorize the transfer of ownership of the American River Pump Station, located in Auburn, CA, to the Placer County Water Agency (Agency). I would like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee for bringing this legislation to the floor in such a timely manner. During the 1960s, the Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau) acquired the site of the original American River Pump Station and removed it to facilitate contraction of the Auburn Dam. When construction of the dam was halted, the Agency was left unable to meet its water needs. Since 1990, the Bureau has installed seasonal pumps to help the Agency provide water during the dry summer. Unfortunately, these pumps need to be removed each winter and reinstalled in time for the summer months. This is an expensive process that leaves the Agency without the long- term water-use certainty it needs. To remedy this situation, a new American River Pump Station will be constructed by the Bureau, and this legislation is needed to authorize the transfer of that station to the local agency for future operations. This legislation is supported by the Bureau, the Agency and the local elected officials, and I appreciate all their hard work in this endeavor. I would specifically like to thank the members of the Placer County Water Agency: Current Board Chairman Lowell Jarvis; board members Alex Ferreira, Otis Wollen, and Mike Lee; and new board member Grey Allen have all worked to enable the Agency to meet the water-use needs of the community it serves. I also want to recognize former board member Pauline Roccucci who spoke with me many times on this issue. I want to thank General Manager Dave Breninger, who has been and remains a tireless and passionate advocate of the permanent pump station and Strategic Affairs Director Einar Maisch who offered strong testimony in support of this bill and helped us to get here today. As the completion of the pump station will provide regional benefits to so many in Western Placer County, I want to thank the City Councils in Rocklin and Lincoln and our County Board of Supervisors for their steadfast support of this critical project. I would also be remiss for not recognizing the commitment and dedication of two local U.S. Bureau of Reclamation staff: Regional Director Kirk Rodgers and Central Area Office Manager Mike Finnegan. This entire group made up the team which worked for years in advancing the permanent American River Pump Station to get us to the point we are at today, and it is with them in mind that I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 482.

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express great concern over the decreased funding for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2007. Specifically, I am concerned about the drastic cuts to the Mobile Enforcement Teams (MET) and the Regional Enforcement Teams (RET). The MET and RET teams are on the front line each and every day assisting state and local law enforcement agencies to combat the onslaught of drug trafficking. The MET program will be reduced by $30 million and the RET Program will be reduced by $9 million. The priorities in this bill do not represent the priorities of this Nation. How is it that $50 million can be set aside for a rainforest in Iowa in a so-called earmark-free continuing resolution, yet the DEA faces a massive reduction? The district I represent, California's Fourth Congressional District, will feel the effects of these cuts. In particular, Nevada County faces a tremendous battle with methamphetamines every day. Methamphetamines are becoming an epidemic in this country. This reduction in funding will not only hurt the efforts of law enforcement, but also everyone who lives in a neighborhood being overrun with drugs and drug traffickers. This is the wrong time to be cutting the federal government's primary tool to combat methamphetamine on a local level.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to thank and congratulate my friends, David and Dolly Fiddyment of Roseville, California, for their generous contributions to furthering the field of education. They have made an extraordinary gift of $1.09 million to establish the first endowed chair at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) School of Education. With this contribution, they are furthering their family's heritage as education pioneers in Northern California. The Fiddyment Family's roots in the greater Sacramento area predate both the advent of railroad and the founding of the City of Roseville-- which the family helped to start. David's greatgrandmother, Jane Fiddyment, acquired an 80-acre parcel in 1856. The parcel eventually grew to encompass 2,200 acres of livestock, grain, and pistachio farms. David and Dolly themselves have been growing pistachios at Fiddyment Farms in Roseville since 1969 and have helped shape the State's vibrant pistachio industry. Mr. Speaker, the Fiddyment Family's commitment to education runs as deep as their rich history in agriculture. Great-grandmother Jane Fiddyment gave a portion of her land for one of the first schools in the Roseville area in the 1880s. She felt that the school building and playground were essential so that children in the area could receive needed instruction. It was a one-room structure with an oblong iron wood stove in the center of the room, a tall pine flag pole in the front, a good well, and a shed for stabling the horses ridden by youngsters from near and far. It was known as the Pleasant Grove School, and Jane became its first teacher. The school continued in operation until 1911. Continuing the tradition, the mothers of both David and Dolly taught school in the early 1900s, and Dolly was a teacher in the San Juan Unified School District for 25 years. Like the Fiddyments, UC Davis has a long history of working to strengthen schools, dating back to the first teacher-training program held on the University Farm in 1918. With the founding of the School of Education in 2002, the university revitalized its commitment to K-12 education. The Fiddyments' financial gift will enhance UC Davis' leadership position in preparing the next generation of teachers to respond to the critical issues facing our schools. This is the largest private donation made to the School of Education and one of the few in the Nation given to support an endowed chair in teacher education. Mr. Speaker, as Harold Levine, Dean of the School of Education said, ``This gift is a milestone in our growth and signals the importance of teachers and teacher education to all of us. We are honored to have the Fiddyments as partners in our mission to strengthen teaching and learning for all.'' David added, ``It is such a joy for us to be able to stand up and take a position on something of such importance. With this gift, we are hoping to make a difference in the education of children everywhere.'' They were inspired, in part, by a visit to the classroom of one of UC Davis alumna, Dawn Imamoto, a 2004 California Teacher of the Year. Dolly Fiddyment said that, ``Dawn embodies the kind of teacher we'd like every child to have.'' Today, I am proud to honor my friends and constituents, David and Dolly Fiddyment. They are truly pioneering the way to a brighter future for the next generation of students.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize and honor an outstanding citizen and public servant who will celebrate his 50th Anniversary as Fire Chief of the Quincy Volunteer Fire Department on November 11, 2006. I join with the local community of Quincy and the residents of Plumas County in congratulating Mr. Richard G. ``Andy'' Anderson for his remarkable service. Andy Anderson was born and raised on a farm in Southern Illinois. In addition to attending school and performing farming chores, Andy also worked at the local mortuary. When World War II commenced in 1941, he pleaded with his father to allow him to serve in the United States military. When his father finally granted permission in 1942, Andy enrolled in the United States Navy and served aboard the USS Cullman for the duration of the conflict and received an honorable discharge for his contributions. After the war, Andy attended mortician school in San Francisco and completed his apprenticeship in the Bay Area. He then took a position in Red Bluff, California, before purchasing mortuaries in Portola and Quincy, California. In 1956, Andy moved to Quincy to manage his businesses and was elected fire chief of the local department in November of that same year. During his service as chief, Andy made the Quincy Volunteer Fire Department into a model organization. He has stressed the importance of interagency cooperation and created the Plumas County Fire Chiefs Association which included the fire chiefs from throughout rural Plumas County. Andy served as the chairman of this organization for 25 years. Presently, the organization has expanded to include all Plumas County emergency service providers. In addition to this valuable contribution, Andy participated in or created several other county and statewide organizations dedicated to emergency services and disaster preparedness. To this day, he serves as the Director of the Plumas County Office of Emergency Services and as Plumas County Fire Warden. Andy is also an accomplished pilot and has an active interest in radio broadcasting, railroading, and county fairs. He has poured his efforts into these worthy causes as well as numerous other local volunteer and civic organizations. Andy has great pride in his two grandsons, Will and Richard, and has been married to his wife Gayle for over 42 years. He affectionately refers to Gayle as ``the real Chief.'' Mr. Speaker, my district encompasses a large area of rural California, and I am happy to say that these communities are kept strong by people like Andy Anderson who make sacrifices in order to serve their fellow citizens. Andy is deserving of our recognition because of his five decades of public fire and emergency service, his military service to our country, and his love of family. I appreciate the opportunity to honor him today.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, whether she was called Beverly, Bev, Mom, Grandma, Dear Friend or the Mail Lady, Beverly Wilson was known by all for her compassion and generous spirit. Bev was a fifty-year resident of Lincoln, California, and served as a postal carrier for 26 years. Tragically, Bev was killed in the line of duty a mere four weeks short of retirement. Beverly dedicated her life to bringing joy to those around her. She was an ideal co-worker. She gently guided her younger colleagues through thoughtful gestures and kind words. For no occasion at all, she would surprise her fellow workers with homemade baked goods, fresh vegetables from her garden, or jarred pomegranate jellies. The people who worked alongside Bev knew that, in her, they had a true friend. Her customers thought the world of Bev. She took the time to know each of them, and her association with the people she serviced grew into friendships that lasted decades. While seeing them six days a week for twenty-six years, Bev shared the lives of her patrons, delighting alongside them during their joyous moments and providing warm comfort in times of sorrow. One of Bev's sons once asked, ``How can one little old woman touch the lives of so many people?'' Beverly Wilson was the proud mother of five children and fifteen grandchildren. While she spent so much of her time doing good deeds for her customers, co-workers and other friends, she always had time for her family. Beverly's fifteen grandchildren could always expect a card from ``Grandma Bev'' on their birthdays, as she never missed even one. Beverly Wilson remains an example of dedication and kindheartedness today. When the residents of Lincoln, CA visit the new postal facility named after her, they will be inspired by the memories of such an outstanding and considerate individual.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4844, the Federal Election Integrity Act. Since the passage of the Help America Vote Act, this body--led by the Committee on House Administration on which I proudly serve--has paid careful attention to our electoral process and has considered several recommendations on how we can improve the way we vote. One such recommendation came from the bipartisan Commission on Federal Election Reform which was headed by Former President Jimmy Carter and Former Secretary of State James Baker and recommended that in order to deter and detect voter fraud, we should require photo IDs at the polls. In this day and age, it is shocking that we still do not verify U.S. citizenship when people vote. Motor-voter laws have allowed driver's license applicants to simply check a box to register to vote regardless of whether they are a U.S. citizen. This loophole has facilitated the many instances of non-citizen voting that I we have heard about today. While there may be disputes about the nature and extent of voter fraud, there can be no dispute that it occurs. In close elections even a small amount of fraud can affect the outcome. Do we really want foreigners to cast the deciding votes in our elections? When an illegal immigrant casts an illegal vote he does more than break the law. He is canceling out a legal vote and robbing Americans of our constitutional right to be heard in an election. The Federal Election Integrity Act that we are debating today can help restore integrity to our elections. Requiring individuals who vote in a Federal election to provide proof that they are a United States citizen will help prevent voter fraud-- plain and simple. It is the best way to ensure the utmost accuracy in realizing the will of the American people. In short, requiring a photo ID is the best way to make sure that only U.S. citizens are casting ballots. Contrary to what the critics would have you believe, this isn't a radical idea. Showing proof of identification and citizenship is warranted and commonplace in today's society. Individuals are required to have photo identification to engage in routine activities such as boarding an airplane, entering a government building, purchasing cigarettes and cashing a check. Our voting system deserves at least as much protection as these other activities. Democrats have argued that this bill will disproportionately affect racial minorities and have even alleged that this is one of the motives behind our Republican Leadership bringing this bill to the floor today. These claims are outrageous and unsubstantiated--voter fraud affects us all. In fact, under this bill states must provide the necessary photo ID free of charge to individuals who cannot afford to pay. This bill is simply about protecting the will of all Americans. When an illegal vote is cast, an American citizen with the constitutional right to have his vote counted becomes disenfranchised, regardless of race. When voting, our citizens should be able to trust that the system will honor their voice and reveal the will of the American people. I urge all my colleagues to join me in protecting the rights of every American by supporting the Federal Election Integrity Act.

Mr. DOOLITTLE

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Will the gentleman yield?