Member of Congress

Susan Davis

Role
Former Representative
State
CA
Party
Democrat

Speeches

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARCH IN SELMA2015-03-17

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, what an occasion and privilege it was to mark the 50th anniversary of the march in Selma. As my friend and hero Congressman John Lewis said: ``Selma is more than a place, it is the realization of an idea.'' Selma showed us that true empowerment begins with voting rights. After 50 years of progress, the Supreme Court has rolled back the Voting Rights Act, one of the most effective laws ever passed. Now, House leadership is saying parts of the VRA are ``not necessary.'' Literacy tests may be relics of the past but only because of the VRA. Some States have replaced old overt forms of voter disenfranchisement with more subtle forms of voter suppression through registration, through redistricting, and voting itself. States need to stop holding people back from voting, and Congress must hold States accountable. The Court may not have done the right thing, but surely Congress can. Let's restore the VRA and better the voting process for all voters.

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RECOGNIZING KENSINGTON VIDEO2015-03-17

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, on February 28, 2015, a San Diego institution closed its doors. After more than 30 years in business the curtain came down on Kensington Video. Kensington Video premiered in 1984 with Winnie and Rich Hanford and their children, Guy and Pam, rolling out the red carpet for its customers. Since then, their video library has grown to an astounding 70,000 titles--perhaps one of the largest in the country. Among the stacks of VHS, Beta, and DVDs, you could find not only the latest blockbusters but also that rare, special-interest film or foreign-language movie. Amazingly, they never computerized. They just knew where every film title was, like seasoned shopkeepers familiar with their stock. If the movie you wanted was not in their library, they would track it down for you. It was that commitment to film and their customers that had people coming from miles away to Kensington Video. Like a classic black and white movie, Kensington Video had the feel of a classic American small business. Customers came for the people behind the counter as much as they came for the films on the shelf. They came to rent a movie and also get the latest news and gossip of what was happening in the neighborhood. I was a proud member of Kensington Video and just as proud of my low membership number--74. In 1948, mystery writer Raymond Chandler, who was also a Hollywood screenwriter, wrote: ``Not only is the motion picture an art, but it is the one entirely new art that has been evolved on this planet for hundreds of years.'' Kensington Video was the curator of that art for San Diego. I hope the House of Representatives will join me in recognizing and thanking Kensington Video for years of service to the neighborhood of Kensington and city of San Diego.

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PROVIDING FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5, STUDENT SUCCESS ACT2015-02-26

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up H.R. 861, the clean Department of Homeland Security funding bill that would keep the Department open so it can carry out the mission of keeping the American people safe.

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STUDENT SUCCESS ACT2015-02-26

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Chairman, this bipartisan amendment that I bring forward with my colleagues, Mr. Dold of Illinois and Mr. Polis of Colorado, would clarify the definition of ``school leader'' currently contained in section 6101 of H.R. 5. Mr. Chairman, the current definition of ``school leader'' contained in this bill is problematic. As currently drafted, the definition fails to make clear to State and local school districts that a school leader is an individual who runs the operations and instructional programs within a school, as opposed to a district administrator who oversees individual schools' programs. As a result, States and local school districts might interpret this definition to apply to an assistant superintendent of curriculum or a subject matter content specialist who oversees instructional practices within an LEA but is not in a school building on a daily basis, such as a principal. This amendment removes this ambiguity by making it clear that the definition of ``school leader'' should apply as it was originally intended--directly and solely to a school principal. If left unchanged, it is possible that district administrators could become eligible for title II professional development funds currently aimed at improving the quality of our Nation's school principals. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, which ensures that title II funds go to the school leader, the person who is most responsible for student achievement. With that, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleague from Illinois and reiterate that this is merely a clarifying amendment, but one with real impact as it will return the term ``school leader'' to its originally intended use. I yield back the balance of my time.

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STUDENT SUCCESS ACT2015-02-25

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Chairman, I thank Ranking Member Scott. I have to ask the majority: When did local control come to mean spend Federal dollars but ditch the Federal oversight? During our markup last week--and I certainly heard today Member after Member arguing how removing Federal standards would help local leaders make tough decisions. This is absolutely backwards. For 9 years, I served on the second largest school board in California, the sixth in the Nation, and I distinctly remember every school in the district making a compelling case for extra resources. Which is why, frankly, we should be debating how to increase the size of the pie that goes to education, rather than only arguing on how to cut it up. I still remember particularly one board meeting agonizing over the decision to move money from one needy school to another. We had to cut our budget, and we had to make a decision. In the end, the law and the safeguards around title I helped direct us to make sure the money went to the students that needed it most. Ultimately, the direction in the law helps us balance competing needs, and I urge opposition to the bill.

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HONORING DR. J. ROBERT BEYSTER2015-01-28

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great respect to mourn the passing of one of San Diego's greatest innovators, businessmen, educators and humanitarians, Dr. J. Robert Beyster. Dr. Beyster was born in Detroit, MI on July 26, 1924, to his parents John F. and Lillian E. Beyster. He attended Dlocum Truax High School in Trenton, Michigan and graduated as Salutatorian. Just as the United States entered World War II, he enlisted in the Navy. He was sent by the Navy to the University of Michigan and later commissioned an Ensign. Dr. Beyster's impressive biography describes a World War II Veteran, a nuclear engineer whose research propelled the Department of Defense's weapons systems and submarines into the future of war fighting, but most notably, he founded Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), an employee-owned multi-billion dollar corporation. His selfless vision built SAIC from the ground up. He believed in the simple principle that wealth should be distributed among those who contribute to the growth of the company. Dr. Beyster was the recipient of multiple distinguished awards, to include a Lifetime Achievement Award from Ernst & Young and the Spirit of San Diego Award from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. We remember him for his high standards of excellence and influence at the University of California's Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center. Furthermore, he founded the Foundation for Enterprise Development, which launched the Beyster Institute at the University of California San Diego's Rady School of Management for technologists, entrepreneurs, executives and educators. San Diego was fortunate to have someone like Dr. Beyster in our community. We see his altruistic contributions in the success of the students who've been given incredible opportunities from his charitable donations. Our community employs those who have been educated through his generous grants, scholarships and fellowships. We grow from those who will undoubtedly give back to the community in the same ways in which they have, themselves, benefited from his generosity. His efforts have provided our next generation of scientists, doctors and intellectual leaders. He was an author, educator, philanthropist, veteran, a family man of integrity, values and of charitable contributions, who will be sorely missed by his family, friends and colleagues. We are fortunate to have constant reminders of his giving nature and his brilliant mind. Thank you Dr. Beyster, for giving San Diego so much of your incredible life. You will never be forgotten.

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INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS2015-01-27

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam Speaker, I was pleased that the Speaker expressed support for infrastructure improvements on ``60 Minutes'' last Sunday. America is in desperate need of repair. Officials in San Diego just reported that it would take $3.9 billion to maintain their infrastructure, and there is no doubt that my colleagues are facing similar circumstances in their home districts. The longer we wait, the longer we drag our feet on this issue, the bigger the pricetag grows. The economic benefits of an improved infrastructure are clear. S&P is estimating that $1.3 billion in infrastructure investment creates 29,000 construction jobs, and that is not including indirect job creation. But we all know this is more than an economic issue. We are risking the safety of the American people who are traveling every day on crumbling roads and bridges. Madam Speaker, what are we waiting for? There is much to gain by acting and yet so much to lose by doing nothing.

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING2015-01-13

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, in December, Congress passed a spending bill to keep the government open, finally providing some certainty to our economy. Another shutdown was the last thing anyone needed, but we cannot forget that one agency was left out: the Department of Homeland Security. Creating uncertainty at Homeland Security is reckless because it threatens our national security. The tragic events in France remind us that we need to be as vigilant as ever. So why is this funding held back? So the majority can try to force its immigration policy on the President and the full Congress. We can and we should have the immigration debate, but it should not hold hostage the hardworking men and women who guard our ports and protect our borders. Mr. Speaker, let's do the right thing. Let's fund Homeland Security and have a proper debate on immigration. This is not an either/or situation; it is a both/and.

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READING OF THE CONSTITUTION2015-01-09

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. ``. . . the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be taken by States, the representation from each State having one vote; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two-thirds of the States, and a majority of all the States shall be necessary to a choice.''

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KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE ACT2015-01-09

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, how does this one project, the Keystone XL pipeline, get so much outsized attention? We currently have a sprawling, 185,000-mile network of oil pipelines in the United States and a regulatory process to ensure that they are operating safely. So why are we spending so much time trying to exempt a Canadian company from the environmental reviews that every other company in America has to abide by? And the big question, Mr. Speaker: Who will pay for any future oil spills? Not Keystone. This bill exempts Keystone from contributing the same 8 cents per barrel that every other oil company is required to pay into the oil spill trust fund. Tell me, Mr. Speaker, why is this? If the authors are so certain that this pipeline does not carry any environmental risk, won't they allow the review process to run its course? I stand with my colleagues. I want those jobs, I want them around the country. We can do this, we can do better. I urge a ``no'' vote on this dangerous precedent, Mr. Speaker.

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BEGINNING OF A NEW CONGRESS2015-01-07

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the beginning of a new Congress, and with it comes a new chance to move past the bickering that has characterized the last 2 years. Sadly, the leadership of the House seems poised to let that opportunity go to waste. Since the election, we have heard that one potential area of agreement would be tax reform. That would be great. I would welcome the chance to improve our deeply flawed Tax Code. And yet, the very first act of this Congress will make it much harder for any reform bill to get bipartisan support. That is because House leadership has quite literally changed the rules of the game, allowing them to pick and choose which tax bills the congressional budget will be giving favorable treatment. Mr. Speaker, I am optimistic that we can move past the dysfunction of the last few years, but changing the rules of the game isn't a signal that we are heading in the right direction.

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JAMES M. CARTER AND JUDITH N. KEEP UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE2014-12-10

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1378, 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. The bipartisan bill before us today has been a long time coming. I'm particularly grateful for Scott Peters's hard work to bring interested parties together and craft a bill that all San Diegans can be proud of. When we first reached out to the community, San Diego's leaders made it clear that there are no two figures more deserving of this honor than Judges Carter and Keep. The support was overwhelming. Judges Carter and Keep were truly trailblazers in their field, and worked tirelessly both on and off the bench to better the San Diego community. Judge Carter was the driving force behind the creation of the Southern California District, allowing the people of San Diego access to the federal court system. Fittingly, once the Southern California District Court was established, Carter became its first Chief Judge. Judge Carter also founded the Federal Defenders of San Diego and was instrumental in the creation of the University of San Diego Law School. He is remembered by those who knew him as a giant of his time, a man whose service was an example for all those who followed in his footsteps. For her part, Judge Keep was instrumental in opening up the San Diego legal field to women. She graduated valedictorian at San Diego Law School at a time when only 5% of lawyers were women! Judge Keep began her career as a public defender, and went on to serve as the Southern California District Court's first female Chief Judge. Judith worked closely with the San Diego Community Foundation and the Armed Forces YMCA, and both she and James served as role models and mentors to countless young attorneys and judges in San Diego. In addition to honoring Judges Carter and Keep, this bill will rename the Federal Judicial Center after the late Judge John Rhoades. Judge Rhoades spent over 20 years as a distinguished U.S. District Judge in San Diego. It is only fitting that the judicial center bear his name. Judges Carter, Keep, and Rhoades were instrumental in shaping the San Diego legal community into what it is today. I can think of no better tribute to their service than to name this courthouse and judicial center in their honor.

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PROTECTING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS ACT OF 20142014-12-04

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Carl Levin and Howard ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015. As the ranking member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I am pleased that this bill includes a number of provisions that continue our commitment to our Armed Forces. I certainly want to thank Chairman Joe Wilson for working with me in a bipartisan manner to support our servicemembers and their families. I would also recognize and thank our retiring chairman, Buck McKeon, and, of course, Adam Smith, the ranking member, for their leadership. I am pleased that the final agreement continues the committee's focus on sexual assault. These provisions include requiring the judicial panel to assess the impact of using mental health records by the defense in preliminary hearings and a comparison between the civilian use of mental health records in civilian criminal proceedings; requiring the Secretary of Defense to consider the victims of sexual assault's preference regarding whether the offense should be prosecuted by court-martial or in a civilian court; and requiring performance appraisals of a commanding officer to include whether the officer has established a command climate in which allegations of sexual assault are properly managed and victims feel free to report a sexual assault without fear of retaliation. Mr. Speaker, the agreement also includes several health care provisions that continue to improve the mental health of the force. Although the agreement includes a modest, one-time change to the TRICARE pharmacy copay rates and a decrease by 1 percent in the housing allowance, it does not include the full savings proposed by the Department of Defense. As a result, the Department will need to address the savings it already took in the fiscal year 2015 budget. As Mr. Smith has pointed out, the discussion on compensation that led to this agreement is a beginning to the conversations we must have. As we look to the next Congress, I hope that the results of the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission due in February 2015 will inform this important discussion. We all know these are difficult times, particularly with full sequestration ahead in FY16. Ignoring the issue will only lead the Department to take significant cuts to end-strength and readiness. These difficult decisions will need to be made in order to sustain our all-volunteer force.

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DELIVERING RESULTS TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE2014-12-02

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, yesterday a reporter asked me to comment on whether Speaker Boehner will be able to make his mark in the next Congress, with the largest House majority for his party since 1929. My thoughts: stand and deliver. If the Speaker wants to work, there is nothing stopping him. Democrats stand ready to work with him to tackle many of the challenges facing American families. In many ways, our economy has shown incredible resilience of late. GDP and job growth are up, but, unfortunately, many still don't feel like things are getting any better. It is long past time that we come together and enact policies that will help hardworking families instead of pandering to special interests. This election saw the worst voter turnout in 72 years because Americans didn't think we could get anything done for them. Let's show that we can. I hope we will use the remaining weeks in this Congress to show that we are capable of delivering results to the American people.

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JOBS FOR AMERICA ACT2014-09-18

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 512, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

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H.R. 5272, H.R. 5230, AND H.J. RES. 762014-09-09

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my strong opposition to two pieces of legislation that were brought before the House on August 1st, 2014. H.R. 5272 and H.R. 5230 are partisan bills that do nothing to fix our broken immigration system. Rather than effectively addressing the situation at the border or the larger failures of our immigration system, the House majority has chosen to penalize children by removing trafficking protections for child refugees from Central America, and preventing the administration from deferring the deportation of DREAMers. Deporting hardworking, law-abiding people who were brought here as children will not make our country safer or more prosperous. Our resources are limited, and the administration must have the ability to prioritize the deportation of those who are a threat to our country. Furthermore, we will not solve the crisis at our border without seriously investing in our immigration courts and addressing the violence and poverty in Central America that are causing these children to flee. H.R. 5272 and H.R. 5230 are not sincere attempts to address these issues, and although I was not able to vote on these bills, had I been present I would have voted ''no'' on both. I would also like to express my strong support for H.J. Res. 76 to provide $225 million in emergency funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. The Obama Administration requested the additional funds to help Israel replenish the scores of missiles it is using to defend its civilian population from Hamas rocket attacks. As the author of the Iron Dome Support Act, which authorizes further assistance to Israel for Iron Dome, I support emergency spending to provide additional resources for the missile defense system, which has saved countless civilian lives. Had I been present I would have voted ``yes'' on H.J. Res. 76.

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HONORING TOM HOM2014-08-01

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize Tom Hom, a man who has made it his life's work to better the city of San Diego. As the American-born son of Chinese immigrants, Tom saw firsthand the discrimination that Asian Americans experienced in the U.S. in the early 20th century as his parents worked tirelessly to build a better life for their twelve children. Despite immense obstacles, Tom rose to success, all the while giving back to his family and his community. In 1963, Tom Hom was elected to the San Diego City Council, becoming the city's first minority councilmember, and he went on to serve in the California State Assembly. As a councilman, and later as a businessman, Tom helped reinvigorate downtown San Diego, transforming our skid row into the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter that now draws businesses and visitors from around the country. He was instrumental in founding the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, which documents the culture and contributions of our city's Chinese-American community, and he remains an influential figure in the San Diego business and philanthropic communities. Tom's vision and hard work have shaped San Diego into the city it is today, and his generosity and humility in the face of such success are inspiring. Tom Hom's journey from Chinatown to the California statehouse truly embodies the American Dream.

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INTRODUCTION OF A RESOLUTION "EXPRESSING THE SENSE THAT THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE SHALL TAKE ALL APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO ENSURE THE CONTINUATION OF DOOR DELIVERY FOR ALL"2014-08-01

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution of the House ``expressing the sense that the United States Postal Service shall take all appropriate measures to ensure the continuation of door delivery for all.'' Many do not realize that the Post Office is already in the process of phasing out door delivery service, the heart of its customer experience. And that if some in Congress had their way it would be eliminated entirely! In my home state of California, residents in newly planned communities are already witnessing the end of traditional mail delivery. Instead, residents are being forced to resort to so-called cluster boxes--centralized curbside locations many of which are in unsecure locations and poorly maintained. Just last month local residents from a community meeting in my district adopted an official neighborhood resolution calling on Congress to address this pressing issue. I have heard stories from dozens of my constituents about cluster boxes being stolen or damaged and having to wait months to raise enough money to replace them. Americans have benefited from door delivery service ever since the time of the Civil War. But now some in Congress, in a short-sighted attempt to cut costs, are pushing through a radical overhaul of the Post Office without even considering the consequences. Studies have shown that in today's digital age it is people with disabilities and the elderly that rely most on postal mail more, especially for prescription medicine. Yes it is these very groups that would most be hurt by the sudden forced adoption of centralized cluster boxes. And businesses all across the country, especially startups will be forced to close up shop since there will be no way to guarantee the security of their delivery. All this just for short term cost cutting--which will do nothing to address the long term solvency of the Post Office. And we already know that nobody wants these changes. In 2013, USPS offered voluntary cluster box conversions to businesses and only .8 percent signed up. What business could survive by constantly looking for ways to reduce customer satisfaction? Or by finding ways to devalue the very service, door delivery, it is known for? But that is what the proponents of such radical postal reform efforts have in mind. Furthermore, such changes will end the equal mail delivery system we have now for everyone. Forced adoption of cluster boxes and a ``delivery tax'', whereby only the wealthy will have access to door delivery, will create a two-tiered system breaking the fundamental unity that has always been central to the Post Office's mission. I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this effort to help preserve door delivery for all.

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VETERANS DESERVE CARE AND BENEFITS2014-07-30

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, the recent revelations of corruption and scandal at the VA have cast a dark cloud over a Department that should be held to the highest possible standard. We cannot forget the cost of war does not stop when the last bullets are fired. We have an obligation to make sure that every last veteran gets the care and benefits that he or she earned on the battlefield. The compromise that is before us today is an important step forward. It provides emergency funding for access to timely care and invests in the VA's long-term capacity to address veterans' needs, but still, there is more to be done. I regularly meet with young veterans in San Diego who are having trouble adapting to civilian life. These are some of the brightest, hardest-working men and women in the United States, and yet they often find it hard to prove that the skills they developed in the military have prepared them for work or school. To help them, we need to take a broader look at the challenges veterans face entering the workforce, getting an education, and managing their finances as they transition out of the service. I certainly look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that our veterans have the tools they need to succeed. It is the least we can do.

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PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H. RES. 676, AUTHORIZATION TO INITIATE LITIGATION FOR ACTIONS BY THE PRESIDENT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 935, REDUCING REGULATORY BURDENS ACT OF 2013; AND...2014-07-30

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring up H.R. 851, the Bring Jobs Home Act, to jump-start the middle class, instead of this partisan lawsuit, which we don't need, attacking the President.

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COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY2014-07-23

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, right now students all over America are enjoying their much-earned summer vacation. We all know the enormous pressures today's youth face, and it hardly seems they get a chance to breathe anymore. Yet students all across the country are attending college in record numbers. That, unfortunately, is where the good news stops. As our college students settle into their internships over the summer, many are running into old classmates who recently graduated, and all of them are asking the same question: How do you live with such debt? We face a student debt crisis of truly mind-blowing proportions, but instead of working to give middle class families a fair chance at making college affordable, some of my colleagues are arguing over what to sue the President for. Later today, we are going to vote for a tax credit--it is unpaid for--and that will barely make a dent in what is quickly becoming the economic challenge of our era. I ask my colleagues, all of us who are talking often, constantly about the need to care for future generations, is this really the best we can do?

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HONORING DR. JON NACHISON2014-07-16

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Dr. Jon Nachison, Ph.D., or Dr. Jon, as he is fondly known, co-founder of the National Stand Down for Homelessness. After twenty- seven years of continuous service as director, Dr. Jon is finally ``standing down.'' Dr. Jon began Stand Down in 1988 when, as Clinical Director of Psychological Services at the Veterans Village of San Diego (then known as Vietnam Veterans of San Diego), he and the Director at VVSD, Robert Van Keuren, convinced the City of San Diego and other community stakeholders to support a new program to address the needs of homeless veterans Through his perseverance, and despite initial community resistance, San Diego embraced what has become an annual event, incorporating as many as 3500 community volunteers who return faithfully year after year. In tribute to his original creativity, over 200 other communities nationwide have adopted the model that Dr. Jon first introduced and perfected. The term ``stand down'' refers to a military command to move oneself out of a war zone (the streets, in this case) to a safe place to regroup. By design, Stand Down borrows from a long history of therapeutic communities and recreates a bivouac setting of military tents and military organization. Over a three day weekend, it recreates a sense of prior military identity and begins to restore a sense of self-worth. Showers, clean clothes, basic medical care and social services renew the veterans' faith in change being possible. Dr. Jon wants participants to regain the sense of competence and empowerment they had known during their years of military service. The isolation and stress of homelessness recedes amongst friends. Stand Down becomes a transformational experience and Dr. Jon's energy, vision, and unwavering commitment have been the cornerstone of this program. That he has created a program to address two national problems, homelessness and the successful societal reentry of our returning veterans, establishes him as a treasure, not only for San Diego, but for our Nation. I rise to honor Dr. Jon for his many years of creative service.

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HONORING DALE LARABEE2014-07-09

Mrs. DAVIS of California

Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, the San Diego and Mid City communities, particularly my neighborhood of Kensington, lost one of its most energetic and inspiring residents. Dale Larabee was a dedicated athlete and family man known for his leadership in the legal community and loved for his involvement in countless endeavors. I got to know Dale years ago through soccer when he coached my son. I was struck by his ability to bring out the best in every child, and to control competitive parents and keep them at their best, as well. I looked forward to those games not only for the chance to watch my son play, but because seeing Dale inspire and cheer on the children was always a delight. Dale did so much. As an attorney, he loved to fight for the underdog, and made a name for himself representing workers in employment discrimination cases. Those who worked with him knew Dale as a brilliant and fiery trial lawyer who was never afraid to stand up to bullying corporations. Dale lived in Kensington for over 40 years and never stopped working to make his neighborhood a better place for everyone, right down to volunteering every month to clean up litter on the streets. A lifelong athlete, Dale could always be found training for his next marathon or triathlon, and he brought this passion for sport to the Kensington Social and Athletic Club, which he founded. On those rare occasions when he wasn't hiking, biking, or swimming, Dale wrote a regular local interest column for the San Diego Uptown News, and organized the annual Kensington Memorial Day Parade and Miracle Mile Relay. Dale also found smaller ways to brighten up the neighborhood, establishing a Little Free Library on Adams Avenue where children and adults alike could feed their love of reading. You can't walk the streets of Kensington without seeing some reminder of Dale's love for his community. Dale Larabee was a beloved husband and father, with a deep dedication to bettering his community and fighting for the little guy. His passing is a terrible loss for his wife Diane, his sons Joel and Jeff, his daughters-in-law Tonya and Taylor, his grandchildren Aidan, Madden, Shane, Hanley, and Hollace, and all those who were lucky enough to know him. He will be greatly missed.

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