Susan Davis

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan in general, and the Azerbaijani community of San Diego in particular, on the 95th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan declared its independence and established the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The first-ever parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world, Azerbaijan proclaimed the right to vote for all regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and religion, preceding even the United States in granting women equal political rights with men. This Republic was recognized by many advanced nations of the time, including the United States. In fact, following a meeting with a delegation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic during the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson remarked that he and these men spoke the same language with respect to conceptions of liberty, right, and justice. Tragically, Azerbaijan's independence was interrupted when the Russian Red Army invaded the nation in 1920. Only in 1991, as the Soviet Union disintegrated, were the people of Azerbaijan given a second chance to restore their democracy and rejoin the world's community of free nations. Over the last twenty-two years, the Republic of Azerbaijan has consolidated its sovereignty and independence, and has become one of the fastest growing economies in the region and beyond. Azerbaijan is also a staunch ally and strategic partner of the United States in the critically important Caspian region. I congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on this important anniversary, and commend them on their continued efforts and commitment to building a strong and vibrant Azerbaijan.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Transparency for Lethal Control Act (TLC), legislation requiring the United States Department of Agriculture to publish clear and accessible information on animals killed through the Wildlife Services program of the Animal Health and Inspection Service. The Wildlife Services program is responsible for intervening in situations when an animal is considered a threat or serious nuisance to humans. In some cases, animals are killed to fulfill this mission. Efforts to gather adequate information regarding Wildlife Services operations have been difficult. The USDA has not made detailed data available to the public relating to where, why, how, and which animals have been killed. This lack of transparency and public reporting makes oversight impossible. The USDA could be acting inappropriately or recklessly and without this data, we can't know. That is why I am introducing legislation to require the USDA to publish kill data online by state, county (or other similar political subdivision), and municipality. The killing of animals should not be a routine or reflexive government response. It should only be undertaken, if at all, after careful deliberation and under strict supervision. For that reason, the public and Congress need to have the opportunity for vigorous oversight to ensure that the USDA is acting appropriately and considering all cheaper and more humane alternatives. Congress must improve oversight of the Wildlife Services program and ensure that the USDA is using tax dollars efficiently and appropriately. I urge passage of the Transparency for Lethal Control Act (TLC).

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Kaneko Oshima Bishop, whose work and contributions have made her a well-known figure in San Diego and, most recently, recognized by the government of Japan. On May 15, Ms. Bishop will receive the country's most prestigious decoration, the Order of the Rising Sun, with Gold and Silver Rays, for her contributions to promoting the regional relationship between Japan and the United States. Established in 1875, the Order of the Rising Sun is the Japanese government's oldest decoration. Born in Nagoya, Japan, Kaneko Bishop moved to San Diego in 1972 and has since then made countless contributions to the Japanese-American community. She is the President of the San Diego-Yokohama Sister City Society. After the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, she led a fundraising effort that resulted in more than $10,000 for relief efforts. Our friends in Yokohama have also noted her tireless work. In 2003, when the wildfires ravaged in San Diego, it is no doubt that because of the good will and relationship she fostered, the Mayor of Yokohama led a campaign that raised $17,000 for relief efforts here at home. Her life's work exemplifies what it means to promote mutual understanding and friendship between countries. As someone who has spent some time in Japan, it gives me tremendous pride to see such unwavering dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding. Our communities are all the more better because of it, and it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Kaneko Oshima Bishop on receiving this prestigious honor.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 140, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Veterans Home Loan Refinance Opportunity Act of 2013. This bipartisan legislation improves the federal Qualified Veterans Mortgage Bonds (QVMB) program to allow eligible States to use tax-free bond proceeds to refinance the home mortgages of our military veterans. This legislation is necessary during our troubled economic times. QVMB home loan financing was not available to newly discharged veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan until passage of the Heroes Earning Assistance Relief Tax Act of 2008 (H.R. 6081) in the 110th Congress. Prior to 2008, some veterans may have taken out adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) to purchase a home during the real estate boom earlier in the decade. It is only fair to them that they have the same opportunity as newly discharged veterans to take advantage of the low- interest, fixed rate mortgages available through QVMB financing. For some veterans with a costly ARM or interest-only mortgage, this legislation could prevent a foreclosure. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this legislation includes an inflation index to ensure the QVMB program remains viable in the future. I urge passage of the Veterans Home Loan Refinance Opportunity Act.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague, Mr. Peters, and rise to congratulate the remarkable achievement of San Diego's very own High Tech High robotics team. This past week, the team participated in the largest and more prestigious school robotics world championship, and then came home taking the event's biggest prize. On behalf of San Diegans, we couldn't be any more proud of these remarkable and talented students, who are destined to change our world with their ideas and innovations. High Tech High represents all that is possible in K-12 education. Some of these students never envisioned themselves in a STEM field, and now they have internships at some of the top STEM companies in the country. I was able to visit and see the robotics team in action, and it was clear to me that the spirit of teamwork and cooperation I witnessed will make them successful in STEM fields and beyond. These students represent the best and the brightest in our Nation, and we stand and congratulate their hard-earned win and know that there is more to come.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, over 100,000 victims of gun violence last year, many of them children. What has this House done to prevent other children from being added to this tragic tally? Nothing, Mr. Speaker. Absolutely nothing. Ninety percent of Americans support effective background checks--90 percent. So when does this Chamber, the people's House, work for the 10 percent? Opponents have said that background checks will not stop every incidence of gun violence. Well, true. They would, unfortunately, not stop all future acts of gun violence, anymore than other laws stop all illegal behavior--but it would stop some. It would save the lives of some of our children. It would be all of us saying we have a moral duty to ensure that those purchasing handguns are not an established threat to our families, and it would be the start of a comprehensive approach to protecting our families. Congress plays politics on so many issues. Let's not play politics with the lives of so many innocent Americans.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness to mourn the passing of one of San Diego's great public servants, and my first Chief-of-Staff, Jennifer Adams-Brooks. Like many other friends and colleagues, I was not aware of Jennifer's diagnosis. But that was no accident. It shows you exactly the type of person she was: someone who always thought about other people first. Jennifer never stopped working to improve the San Diego community. I know she thrived in her executive leadership position on the San Diego Housing Commission, and was passionate about all her numerous volunteer efforts. Among her many accomplishments, including starting her own consulting firm, Jennifer held the distinction of being the first African-American to serve as chair of the San Diego Foundation's Board of Governors in its 36-year history. Throughout her entire life, Jennifer always remained highly active in local civic and community affairs. And that's how we happened to cross paths. Jennifer got my office running when I first served in the California Assembly. And I can tell you she was just as impressive in person as on paper. During that time, we shared many laughs and memories--even when we were up to our ears in work. Looking back, I'm sure Jennifer would want us to always think of her with that indefatigable spirit--and to remember her as the consummate leader and community activist she most certainly was. I will always treasure her loyalty and work ethic. And my thoughts go out to Leon, her husband, and the rest of her family and friends. I can only hope that many others will follow her lead and dedicate their lives to the service of others.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the contribution of the State of Israel as it celebrates its 65th anniversary as a vibrant and open democratic society. I had the great privilege to live and work in Israel in the mid- 1960's and celebrated Israel's 22nd anniversary by taking part in a three-day walk from the shores of Tel Aviv to the hills of Jerusalem. Now about 50 years later, I marvel at the extraordinary changes that have taken place in Israel. In its 65 years, Israel has managed some incredible achievements. These have been true gifts to Americans and the world--healing the sick, improving security, and promoting commerce. Israeli doctors and researchers have produced countless medical advances. Israelis have developed techniques to better assist cancer and Parkinson's patients. Israelis invented the PillCam to better detect disorders of the GI Tract. Israelis are pioneering robotic surgery. Israelis were key to developing the cell phone--which has transformed American business and, of course, allowed many Jewish mothers, like myself, to instantly get in touch with their children. Israelis also invented voice mail technology. Israel developed the Iron Dome Missile Defense System which has already saved countless lives from missile attacks. And, Israel is sharing this vital technology with the United States. Israel is also a leader in conservation and renewable energy. In fact, Israel is the only country in the world that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees, made more remarkable because this was achieved in an area considered mainly desert. And, Israel continues to be a shining example of democratic governance in the Middle East. Israel is the only country in the Middle East with protections for free speech, free press, free practice of religion, women's rights and gay rights. All citizens of Israel have full voting rights without regard to race, sex, or ethnicity. And, Israel's parliament, the Knesset, includes Jews and Arabs alike as members. Israel is a small country in a hostile environment that has found a way to accomplish big things. We as Americans are better off today because of Israel's existence. And, as I wish Israel and her citizens a happy 65th birthday, I stress that I will continue working with my colleagues to support our closest friend and ally, as it continues to inspire the world with its achievement.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, we need to focus on fostering middle class prosperity, and I feel investing in job training and education is the best way to do that. We recently had an opportunity to revamp the Workforce Investment Act. However, the consolidation approach that was taken with that bill was counterproductive. That legislation could have been a bipartisan effort. Instead, it has gone to the Senate to die. So I propose, instead of belittling Federal employees, attacking unions and repealing environmental protections, why don't we focus on working together across the aisle and doing what we can to equip people with the skills and the education they need to fill the job openings that are out there. That might sound warm and fuzzy, but that is what Americans want us to do. My constituents have told me again and again: let's focus on practical solutions to the problems people are facing, not political ideology.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, it is time to debate the budget again, but despite the differences in this Chamber, we could come together and choose to invest in our middle class. We could compromise and responsibly reduce spending while protecting the most vulnerable. We could reach across the aisle and protect the jobs of our teachers and police officers while ending the ludicrous tax loopholes for oil companies. Instead, we see another case of political gamesmanship. Instead of providing targeted tax cuts to working class families, the Republican budget increases tax breaks for the wealthiest in the country at the expense of middle-income taxpayers, who will pay an average of $2,000 per family. Instead of solidifying the safety net for our seniors, the Republican budget guts it by turning Medicare into a voucher program. Instead of healing our still fragile housing market, the Republican budget refuses to protect the mortgage interest deduction that our middle class families depend upon. What we should be doing is working together to put the American Dream back within the reach of our middle class.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring light to one of the many overlooked effects of sequestration. I just came from a Military Personnel hearing where the Services had an opportunity to speak frankly about how these cuts will affect them. Some of the worst impacts will come as a result of civilian furloughs. Fifty-two percent of military behavioral health specialists are civilians, and those civilians will be furloughed, as will 62 of the specialists who work for the Marine Corps' Wounded Warrior unit. These specialists provide a vital service to our injured servicemembers. So how can Congress continue to treat the work of these and other Federal employees in what is perceived as a very callous manner? Mr. Speaker, we have asked our men and women in uniform to sacrifice so much. How can we possibly ask them to sacrifice even more? We must come together to solve sequestration before these devastating cuts become irreversible.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 57, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, at last, at last. Madam Speaker, like Americans all across the country, I'm glad this Chamber has finally put the Senate Violence Against Women Act to the floor for a vote. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and to oppose the Republican substitute. If we pass a strong and bipartisan reauthorization, women can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Congress has got their backs. Every woman deserves protection and justice. I'm glad that the Senate bill closes the gap in current law by extending that protection to Native American, LGBT, and immigrant victims. In contrast, as we have heard, the Republican substitute inexplicably continues to exclude these groups and put them at risk. That is exclusionary and it is hurtful. Let's swiftly pass the Senate VAWA and send it straight to the President's desk for his signature. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on S. 47 and to stand up for all victims of domestic violence. They've waited far too long for this day.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. The once inconceivable now seems to be becoming the inevitable. On Friday, the sequester, a plan designed to never be implemented, will be triggered. And now the question among the papers and pundits is exactly how bad sequester will turn out to be. My question is: Why aren't we debating how to stop it? Why are we not working together on a balanced fiscal plan? We all know it's not the right thing to do. We all know it's not the smart thing to do. My constituents in San Diego and everyone outside of D.C. knows that it's harmful. San Diegan air traffic controllers, our Border Patrol officers, and civilian defense personnel put on leave, making us less safe and less efficient? San Diegan senior citizens, many who have served our country, sent messages stating that they will not be able to receive the meals they depend on. San Diego teachers furloughed, disrupting our children's education? Blindly taking an ax to our budget is not a solution, it's a problem. With that, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 699, a balanced bill to replace the sequester with spending cuts and revenues.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Special Agent Mark D. Clookie, Director of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, NCIS, who has announced his retirement from NCIS effective March I, 2013, after nearly 31 years of highly distinguished service. Mr. Clookie joined NCIS in 1982, and during his tenure he has served in a variety of organizational assignments and mission areas, both within the United States and overseas. As a Special Agent, Mr. Clookie served overseas in both the Kingdom of Bahrain and in Japan. Domestically he held leadership positions in Newport, RI, and at NCIS headquarters in Washington, DC. He also served in leadership positions in several overseas tours as NCIS Resident Agent in Charge in Bahrain, as NCIS Resident Agent in Charge in Okinawa, Japan, and as Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Middle East Field Office, located in Manama, Bahrain. In August 2001, Special Agent Clookie reported to the Pentagon as the Chief, Joint Staff Support Branch, Joint Counterintelligence Center. Following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, he assumed duties as the Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Middle East Field Office in Manama, Bahrain. From there he directed all counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and criminal investigative operations throughout the Middle East, East Africa, and Southwest Asia. His primary focus was direct support to Navy and Marine Corps Forces Central Command and the Navy's Fifth Fleet. After more than two years in the Middle East directing the NCIS Global War on Terrorism mission, SA Clookie returned to NCIS Headquarters, where he served as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director for Management and Human Resources. In this role, he led NCIS modernization initiatives and subsequently, was promoted to Assistant Director for Human Resources. As Assistant Director for Human Resources, Mr. Clookie oversaw the creation and implementation of a leadership development program to identify and train future NCIS leaders. In October 2007, Mr. Clookie was promoted to the Senior Executive Service and assumed responsibilities as the Executive Assistant Director for Middle East and Pacific Operations where he built systems that have integrated the work of 44 offices across the Western U.S., Asia, Pacific, and Middle East. In April 2009, SA Clookie was reassigned as the Executive Assistant Director for Combating Terrorism. In this capacity, he developed and managed programs to protect U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel, families, and property from global terrorist threats. He also significantly expanded NCIS engagement with foreign government counterparts. On February 14, 2010, Mr. Clookie was appointed Director of NCIS and became the agency's fourth civilian director. From the onset, Mr. Clookie established capabilities and realigned resources to meet the evolving requirements of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, while at the same time, reducing overhead and creating efficiencies. During his tenure, 100 percent of NCIS' programs and field elements were evaluated annually for quality and effectiveness by the executives overseeing operations and by teams led by Headquarters-based senior NCIS leaders. He institutionalized a collaborative and disciplined method to identify efficiencies throughout the agency, facilitating the reprogramming of over $10 million across NCIS to meet emerging mission requirements. During his time as Director, Mr. Clookie restructured the Naval Criminal Investigative Service to align the headquarters with the missions of man, train, and equip the workforce while transitioning operational oversight to field level supervisors, empowering lower level managers and resulting in quicker responses to changing priorities and threats. Under Director Clookie's leadership, NCIS has filled every validated Combatant Commander request for forces for Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa on a volunteer basis. NCIS personnel have also deployed to Kuwait, Djibouti, Guantanamo Bay, and other sites in support of contingency operations. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Clookie for his 31 years of outstanding public service and to wish him fair winds and following seas as he begins the next chapter of his life.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, March 9, 2013, the nation will celebrate Passport Day in the USA. On this day, I would like to recognize the San Diego Passport Agency for two years of dedicated service to San Diego and Imperial County residents. Since opening their doors in April 2011, the San Diego Passport Agency has continued to raise travel awareness for all San Diego and Imperial County communities. Thanks to their work, travelers who are days away from an international getaway with an expired passport can breathe a sigh of relief by getting same-day service. Their effort to serve all travelers, especially those with urgent travel plans, exemplifies careful and efficient public service. The San Diego Passport Agency is happy to serve the public, and welcomes area residents to celebrate Passport Day by applying for or renewing their passports. Last year, the San Diego Passport Agency ranked number one in the region and second in the nation for applications accepted from the public. On Saturday, March 9, 2013, let's make the San Diego Passport Agency #1 in the region and nation for this year's Passport Day in the USA.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great sorrow to mourn the passing of one of San Diego's greatest leaders and humanitarians, Murray Galinson. Every city should have a Murray Galinson. On paper, Murray's impressive biography tells of a bank CEO and President, the head of a local synagogue, a former assistant U.S. attorney, a member of the board of trustees for California State University and a philanthropist playing a pivotal role in developing so many local charities. But in life, Murray was so much more than that. Murray was San Diego's go to person. When you wanted to know anything you went to Murray. When you wanted to vent frustration, you went to Murray. When you wanted someone to talk to, you went to Murray. He was a very, very special person at the center of everything. For someone so prominent Murray was not intimidating. He was open to me almost 40 years ago at the beginning of my career as he has been to so many other people starting careers in public service. He has mentored countless people who have gone to be great successes in the San Diego community. Perhaps most striking was Murray's deep care for the city of San Diego and how translated that into political and charitable action. Murray was not involved in politics to be a power broker or to push an ambitious partisan agenda. Murray wanted to support whoever he thought would make the city stronger for the long haul. He really cared who was in office and supported people from the very beginning. He was a leading Democrat but he crossed the aisle and supported Republicans when he thought that was the right thing to do. Murray was such a great listener. And he was supportive and insightful. And he was funny. He was warm and witty and never shy about telling it like it is. I never had a conversation with Murray that I didn't walk away from feeling generally better. Originally from Minnesota, Murray never lost his Midwestern sensibility. We're so fortunate in San Diego that Murray left the Minnesota snow behind him and brightened the lives of so many people in our city.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I want to note, Mr. Speaker, that the bill continues to recognize the sacrifices of those who serve our Nation in uniform. During a time when many young Americans of all stripes--male and female, gay and straight, from every ethnic background conceivable--are forward deployed and all around the globe, we in the Congress have an obligation to ensure that these men and women are provided for. We must stand up to this important obligation. I urge all of my colleagues to support the bill.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. As the ranking member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I'm very pleased that this bill includes a number of provisions that continue our commitment to our men and women in uniform and their dedicated families. I want to thank my chairman, Joe Wilson, for his support and assistance, and recognize the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Buck McKeon, and Adam Smith, the ranking member, for their leadership. Here are a few highlights from the conference report. There will be a 1.7 percent pay raise, a critically important recognition of what our servicemembers do for us, particularly during economically challenging times. It provides separation authorities as the services reduce their end strength. These authorities will be crucial to the Department's ability to execute its drawdown in a responsible manner that ensures that long- serving members and their families are compensated appropriately. We continue our focus on mental health by codifying the Suicide Prevention and Community Health and Response Program for the National Guard and Reserves. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Defense to providing training on suicide prevention, resilience, and community health, and it expands the scope of providers who may conduct pre-administrative separation medical examinations for post-traumatic stress disorder to include licensed clinical social workers and psychiatric advanced practice registered nurses. We all know sexual assault remains a focus for the Congress, and there are a number of provisions that help to address the problem, including prohibiting the granting of waivers for commissioning or enlistment of an individual who has been convicted of sexual offenses under Federal or State law, and it requires the services to establish special victim capabilities for investigation, prosecution, and victim support in connection with child abuse, serious domestic violence, or sexual offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The bill authorizes the Defense Department to establish transition assistance programs for members of the Guard and Reserve components who serve on active duty for more than 180 days, a program that previously did not exist. And the bill provides female servicemembers and dependents with the same reproductive rights in cases of rape and incest that other women in Federal health plans can already exercise.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, as a Nation, we are gaining momentum as our economy gets back on track. For my constituents in San Diego, home prices are on the rise and most employers are adding jobs and hours instead of cutting back. We cannot afford to undo the progress we are making, especially for the middle class. The only way to accelerate our economic progress is to balance economic development with protection for the most vulnerable Americans from job losses, tax increases, and program cuts. Americans young and old need to know that Congress believes in the future and that we'll work together to keep our country on the rise. I think often of Gandhi's statement: The future depends on what we do in the present. Let's not waste this critical opportunity to advance economic growth and invest in our future.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to offer my bill, H.R. 6166, for consideration to designate the new courthouse at 333 West Broadway Street in San Diego as the James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep United States Courthouse. First, I would like to thank Chairman Mica, Ranking Member Rahall, Subcommittee Chairman Denham and Subcommittee Ranking Member Norton, the Democratic and Republican staff of the Committee, and my colleagues from California who came together to move this legislation honoring two highly deserving judges and human beings. By way of background, when this iconic new courthouse construction project in downtown San Diego was nearing completion and the time had come to consider a name for the new building, my office sought input from the San Diego legal community to determine a consensus choice. After considering hundreds of submissions, it became clear that, among many worthy options, San Diegans preferred to honor two former, prominent San Diegan judges--Judge James Carter or Judge Judy Keep. After reviewing their achievements, I decided that the right thing to do would be to honor both of these individuals--as they were both true trailblazers in the San Diego community. And reflecting San Diego's widespread support for honoring Judge Carter and Judge Keep my legislation was endorsed by the San Diego City Council, the San Diego County Bar Association, and San Diego's Mayor at the time, Jerry Sanders. Judge Carter was the moving force behind the creation of the Southern California District. In response to the tremendous population growth in San Diego after World War II, Judge Carter successfully convinced the Judicial Conference of the United States to create the Southern District-- allowing the people of San Diego and its neighboring communities access to the federal court system. In 1966, after its creation, Judge Carter became the first Chief Judge of the District Court, serving in that position until his appointment to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Keep was instrumental in opening up the San Diego legal field to women. Judge Keep graduated from San Diego Law School as its valedictorian-- at a time when fewer than 5% of lawyers were women! She then worked as a Staff Attorney at Defenders, Inc. where she was the first female staff attorney representing indigent criminal defendants in federal court. In 1980, Judge Keep was nominated to become the first female judge for the District Court of the Southern District of California, and later she became the District Court's first female Chief Judge. Displaying true dedication to public service, both Judge Carter and Judge Keep worked tirelessly off the bench to better the San Diego community. Judge Carter founded the Federal Defenders of San Diego and was instrumental in the creation of the University of San Diego Law School. Former law clerks of Judge Carter remember him as a giant of his time, a man who was revered by the San Diego legal community, and whose service was an example for all those who followed in his footsteps. Judge Carter even touched the life of one of our colleagues, Senator Mike Crapo. Like many law clerks who passed through the judge's chambers, he was in awe of Judge Carter's service and work. And in Senator Crapo's words, there is ``no more appropriate way to honor his legacy than to name this federal courthouse for Judge Carter.'' Judge Keep was a Chair of both the Task Force on Judicial Wellness and the Conference of Chief District Judges for the 9th Circuit, and she worked with the San Diego Community Foundation and the Armed Forces YMCA. And, both judges served as role models and mentors to countless young attorneys and judges in San Diego. A Superior Court judge, who appeared before Judge Keep as a young prosecutor wrote to me: Judy's presence and words of wisdom shaped my own career and trajectory. Even after her death, her light continues to shine. I keep her picture in my court chambers to remind me everyday of what is important in life and about how to arrive at the best decisions possible. Judge Carter and Judge Keep served the public with distinction and truly reflected the San Diego legal community's shared values of excellence and integrity. The new San Diego Courthouse will be a fitting testament to their careers and inspire others in the community to continue to follow their path. Thank you again for your consideration of this legislation honoring these two trailblazing San Diego public servants. U.S. Senate, Washington, DC, September 16, 2010. Representative Susan Davis, Longworth HOB, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Davis: I recently became aware of your efforts to solicit input on the naming of the new federal courthouse in San Diego, to be opened in 2013. I expect you have been receiving many worthy suggestions from your constituents, and I would like to join those who have suggested to you that the courthouse be named for former federal judge James M. Carter. Following graduation from Harvard Law School in 1977, I served for a year as law clerk to Judge Carter on the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. I learned a great deal through this experience and came to admire Judge Carter as an outstanding federal judge. Judge Carter was responsible for the legislation that first created the Southern District of California, and he would go on to become the District's founding Chief Judge. Upon his passing in 1979, the local newspaper editorials hailed him as ``The Dean of the San Diego Judiciary''. Given the time that has passed since his service, I recognize many of his contemporaries are no longer with us, and the memory of his accomplishments may have faded. As one who did have the honor of working with this fine man, I can think of no more appropriate way to honor his legacy than to name this federal courthouse for Judge Carter. Thanks for your consideration. Sincerely, Mike Crapo, U.S. Senator. The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table. General Leave

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank my colleagues from Connecticut for the way in which they've conducted themselves through this horrific tragedy that the whole country has experienced. Mr. Speaker, I came to sit and listen and to be here to support my colleagues, but I did want to say a few words because I had an opportunity to speak with the press in San Diego over the last few days. I'm almost haunted by the question that I was asked, which was, Isn't this all just going to go away? People will get on with their lives, and a period of time will commence and maybe something else horrible will happen again. What is it that we can do? I think it is a collective responsibility. It is certainly all of our responsibility. The President, I believe, has to take the lead, and he has begun to do that. We also have to reach out to our entire communities. I know that there are differences throughout this country. Of course there are. It's not even so much partisan differences. It's geographic in some cases. It's the way that people have chosen to live and their backgrounds and what they do. But I think that we would be pretty surprised if we had the kinds of meetings throughout this country to allow that conversation to take place because parents throughout my district--and I know throughout the district of all of my colleagues--want to say something about how we can do better. I believe we can. If we can't, then what are we about? I thank the President for his comments. I thank my colleagues, because I wonder could I have responded as well as they have done through this. And I certainly express my profound sorrow to the families who are enduring the absolute unthinkable. We are all parents and grandparents here, and we do identify, and we want to make a difference.

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers, so I reserve the balance of my time to close.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlelady of Massachusetts.