Jeff Denham

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I support passage of this legislation and urge all of my colleagues to do the same. With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6604) to designate the federal building currently known as Federal Office Building 8, located at 200 C Street Southwest in the District of Columbia, as the ``Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Building''.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated work of District V Supervisor, Jim Allen. Jim began his long and dedicated career in law enforcement with the Mariposa County Sheriff's Department in May of 1976 as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. He became a fulltime employee as a Jail Officer/Dispatcher in July 1977; and in December 1979, Jim became a Deputy Sheriff/Coroner. In May of 2003, he was appointed Sheriff/Coroner by the Board of Supervisors. Finally, in June 2006, he was elected as Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator, where he retired in 2007. After Jim's successful career with Mariposa County law enforcement, he was elected as District V Supervisor from 2009-2012. In 2011, he also served as Chair of the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors. Beyond Jim's work as Supervisor, he served as a member of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo). Jim's sense of community service and hard work ethic is evident through his work with many county committees including: Fish Camp Community Planning Advisory Council, Wawona Appeals Board, Wawona Town Planning Advisory Committee, Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, and Law Library Trustees, and the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS). He served the county on the following agencies and Board of Directors: Area 12 Agency on Aging Joint Powers Authority Governing Board, California State Association of Counties, County Medical Services Program Governing Board, Mountain Valley Emergency Medical Services Agency as Chair, Regional Advisory Board, and the San Joaquin Valley Regional Association of California Counties. In addition, Mr. Allen has also served on the Mariposa County High School Student Loan Association and oversaw the establishment of a separate Human Resources/Risk Management department. Additionally, he helped implement the paperless agenda management system. Mr. Allen played an integral and significant role on the following county projects: Yosemite West Community Plan, Wawona Specific Plan, Catheys Valley Community Plan, SilverTip Resort project amended site plan application, construction of the new Human Services facility, acquisition of new fire engines and water tenders, funding and construction of three new fire stations, obtaining a Fixed Base Operator to oversee the Mariposa/ Yosemite Airport, Airport improvement projects, fuel load reduction projects, road maintenance projects, Agri-nature and Agri-tourism policy, Williamson Act/historical parcels, Tenaya Lodge wastewater treatment facility approval, and the Mariposa Creek Parkway project. In 2010 and 2011, Jim helped his community rebuild after heavy winter rains and a motor fire in El Portal. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring District V Supervisor Jim Allen for his outstanding commitment to serve the community. Mr. Allen is a true public servant, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated work of Mariposa County Clerk of the board Margie Williams. Since 1983, Margie has dedicated her professional life to this position and has whole heartedly served the Mariposa community. In 1974, Margie began as a Justice Court part-time Clerk in Mariposa County. In that same year, she was appointed by the Board of Supervisors as Clerk of the Court and oversaw all operations. In 1976, Margie worked in the Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA) Administration in Mariposa. She oversaw employment grants and the adult and youth programs during her time there. Later in her career, Margie worked for the Monterey County CETA Administration, where she did analysis work on various grant programs and helped to prepare a one million dollar grant Monterey County received. This grant award is just one example of how invaluable Margie's work has been. In addition to her dedicated public service, she has also served in private sector capacities throughout her career. In 1979, she was part of Red Carpet Real Estate's office and property management team. As Clerk of the Board, Margie has attended thousands of Board meetings--including an 18-hour General Plan hearing. She has been responsible for agendas; minutes; records management; processing documents, ordinances and contracts; and maintaining Board-appointed committee records of over 55 committees with over 550 positions. She was available for emergency declarations as the Assessment Appeals Clerk, and her knowledge of applicable local and state laws and regulations was often used. Margie has been a vital link in providing services to the Board of Supervisors, County Departments, and the public. Her additional duties expanded over the years to include: LAFCo Secretary, Proposition 218 ballot processing, maintaining the website for the Board, posting the agenda and minutes to the website, and scheduling public hearings. Margie's accomplishments are varied and rich. They include the implementation of the MinuteTraq agenda management program and the summary ordinance process, all while working with a limited number of staff and an increased workload. Margie's efforts have resulted in a several thousand dollar savings in publication costs. Mrs. Williams has been responsible for processing thousands of projects approved by the Board, including but not limited to: formal resolutions; ordinances; General Plan updates; Title 17 updates; the construction of the new Government Center, new County Library, and the new Human Services building; declarations of local emergencies; special meetings; emergency meetings; public hearings; community plans and service districts; Zones of Benefit; land divisions; a multitude of annual agreements and budget adjustments; the annual mid-year and final budgets; the funding and construction of three new fire stations; construction of the new adult detention facility; creation of the Mining and Mineral Museum; the acquisitions of fire trucks and water tenders; the MOU with the Administrative Office of the Courts and the County of Mariposa for the continued use of the historic Mariposa County Courthouse Superior Court; countless other county facility construction and re-modeling projects; the creation of new county departments (Technical Services, Child Support Services, Human Resources/Risk Management, Fire, County Administration); and the reorganization of numerous county departments. It's remarkable to note that Margie began her career prior to the use of copy machines. Even after their introduction to the workplace, there were still forms in triplicate that were typed on the typewriter. She worked with no voicemail and all notes were handwritten. Margie has been relied upon by all for her decade's worth of institutional knowledge and steel trap memory. Mrs. Williams has been married to her husband Tom for thirty-seven years and finds joy in their daughter, Michelle Williams, son, Tom and his wife, Dr. Jamie Williams, and their grandson, Tommy. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mariposa County Clerk of the Board Margie Williams for her outstanding commitment to serve her community. Mrs. Williams is a true public servant, and I wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated work of District II Supervisor, Lyle Turpin. Lyle served as Mariposa County District II Planning Commissioner from 2001-2007. He was elected and served as District II Supervisor from 2005-2012 and was acting Chair in 2008. Lyle's list of service accomplishments attests to his commitment as a distinguished member of our community. Mr. Turpin was a member of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) and served the county as a member of the following committees: Coulterville Service Area Number One Advisory Board, Coulterville Town Planning Advisory Council, Greeley Hill Planning Advisory Committee, Lake Don Pedro Service Area 1-M Advisory Board, Local Transportation Commission Technical Advisory Committee, and Pedestrian and Equestrian Trails Advisory Board. In addition to his tireless work on various county committees, Lyle served on the following agencies and Board of Directors: Calaveras- Mariposa Community Action Agency, Mountain Counties Air Basin, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Yosemite/Sequoia Resource Conservation and Development Area, Tuolumne/Mariposa County Resource Advisory Committee, and Agriculture and the Natural Resources--CSAC. Mr. Turpin has spent his time as Supervisor dedicated to the following county projects: The General Plan; Coulterville and Mariposa Town Drainage Study; Yosemite West Community Plan; SilverTip Resort project amended site plan, Catheys Valley Community Plan; construction of the new Human Services facility; zoning amendments; the acquisition of new fire trucks and water tenders; construction and funding for three new fire stations; obtaining a Fixed Base Operator to oversee the Mariposa/Yosemite Airport operations; construction of the Red Cloud Library; improvements to the Midpines Park; Airport improvement projects; the Seventh Day Adventist Camp project; Lake Don Pedro Wastewater Treatment Facility; the MOU with the Administrative Office of the Courts and the County of Mariposa for the continued use of the historic Mariposa County Courthouse Superior Court; completion of the Solid Waste Compost facility; fuel load reduction projects; road maintenance projects; Agri-nature and Agri-tourism policy; Foresta Community Wildfire Protection Plan; Williamson Act/historical parcels; and the AB 885 state-wide issue relative to well and septic inspections. Lyle remains active in the community, attending many local community organization events and fundraisers. He has helped the community contend with the impacts of the Ferguson rock slide disaster of 2006, the horrific Oliver and Telegraph Fires of 2008, the Big Meadow Fire of 2009, the 2011 Motor Fire in El Portal, and damages associated with the rains in late December 2010--including Ben Hur Road. He also helped to establish the separate Human Services/Risk Management department and implement the paperless agenda management system for the Mariposa Board of Supervisors. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring District II Supervisor Lyle Turpin for his outstanding commitment to serve his community. Mr. Turpin is a true public servant, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated work of Charles ``Chuck'' Mosher, M.D., M.P.H. as the County Health Officer for Mariposa County. Serving in this position since 1988, Dr. Mosher has worked vigorously to make positive changes in the community. Dr. Mosher is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He received his Medical Degree from the New York Medical College and continued his education at the University of Washington. While there, he earned his Master's in Public Health. Chuck has dedicated his career to improving the health of those around him. While he was a physician, he volunteered for the Peace Corps in both Paraguay and Washington, D.C. He served as the Director of Emergency Medicine for the State of Georgia; and here in the Central Valley, he continued his career as the Emergency Medical Services Medical Director and Health Officer for Merced County. In addition, Chuck has passionately met the needs of his community through his general private practice in Mariposa County. He also served as Chief of Staff for the John C. Fremont Hospital. On November 7, 1988, Dr. Mosher was appointed Mariposa County Health Officer. In this position, he dedicated his time to managing the day- to-day operations and budget of the Health Department, serving the public health needs of the residents and tourists in Mariposa County. This dedication to fulfill the public health needs of so many people makes Dr. Mosher an invaluable asset to the community. As Public Health Officer, Dr. Mosher's duties not only covered infectious and communicable diseases, including measles and whooping cough outbreaks, Hantavirus, and H1N1 influenza; but everything from hazardous materials, air quality, aging septic systems, toxic chemicals, underground storage tanks, endemic rabies, several wildfires, sewage spills into the Merced River, floods, and anthrax exposure. He even increased public awareness by writing a regular column in the local newspaper and speaking to local service clubs and schools. During Chuck's long, distinguished career, he has accomplished ambitious changes in the emergency medical services, which include contracting with professional ambulance companies, and coordinating and conducting emergency drills along with other public agencies. He is a member of the Mariposa Emergency Medical Care Committee and the Quality Improvement Subcommittee. Chuck has overseen and maintained involvement and communications with numerous regional health and safety related committees and agencies. Working within a community facing many unique challenges, Dr. Mosher directed the enforcement of state and county health and sanitation laws and regulations and oversaw environmental health. He worked to educate and protect rural areas with the state's implementation of septic tank regulations and effectively transitioned the environmental and nursing staff from the state to the county with the reorganization of the department. Dr. Mosher's sense of citizenship and volunteerism was recognized for his role in maintaining public safety during the post 9/11 events of 2001. He organized clinic services, dental health programs, community health resources, emergency medical services, and public health education--including the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program. He wrote grants and contributed to the Smart Start Visiting Nurse program and Tobacco Cessation program. His dedicated work to these programs, as well as others, has improved the lives of countless individuals. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Charles Mosher for his outstanding commitment to serve the health needs of those in his community. In his retirement, he plans to continue with his passion of writing and possibly travel to serve in other less developed countries. Dr. Mosher is a true public servant, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker: I rise today to recognize and honor the Good Egg Breakfast on its 50th anniversary. The first Good Egg Breakfast, GEB, was held in April 1963 at the Sportsmen of Stanislaus Clubhouse. Today, the event is billed as the world's longest running egg promotion breakfast. Original cosponsors of the GEB were Stanislaus and San Joaquin County area poultrymen and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Stanislaus County Farm Bureau was added as a cosponsor, and the poultrymen evolved into the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association and the California Poultry Federation. Today, the four entities that plan and execute the breakfast are the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, California Poultry Federation, Pacific Egg and Poultry Association, and the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Federation. The Good Egg Committee is made up of members from the aforementioned sponsors. The original GEB award was given to an area resident singled out for their outstanding contributions to agriculture. The breakfast also kicked off Farm-City Days in Stanislaus County. The breakfast now includes recognition not only of agriculturists but also those from every walk of life who have demonstrated dedication and outstanding service for the benefit of the community. Mr. Good Egg of 1970, Governor Ronald Reagan, is the most famous of past honorees. In 1981, the Good Egg of the Year award was renamed the ``Fred C. Price Good Egg of the Year Award,'' in honor of farm advisor Fred Price. The GEB also awards scholarship stipends to local Modesto Junior College students who epitomize a ``Good Egg''--someone who gives back to the community. The following is a list of all the Good Egg recipients for the past 50 years: 1963--Joe Domecq; 1964--John G. Veneman; 1965--Ernest Tarone; 1966--Wiiliam Ulm; 1967--Richard Lyng; 1968--Joe Hart; 1969--Milton Kidd; 1970--Ronald Reagan; 1971--Fred G. Thiemann; 1972--Romain Stewart; 1973--John Keefe; 1974--Dan Kelsay; 1975--Frank Espinola; 1976--Clare Berryhill; 1977--Donald West; 1978--George Biddle; 1979-- John Thurman; 1980--Norton Coleman; 1981--Mathew Fiscalini; 1982--Max Foster; 1983--Paul Lavine; 1984--Bill Lyons, Sr; 1985--Peggy Mensinger; 1986--Larry Banks; 1987--John De Boer; 1988--Larry Can; 1989--Larry Hooker; 1990--Grant Lucas; 1991--Bette Belle Smith; 1992--James S. West; 1993--Ernie Gemperle; 1994--Roland Starn; 1995--Henry Voss; 1996--Bob Benson; 1997--Stan Hodges; 1998--Ray Simon; 1998--Genie Zehrung; 1999--Tony Cobarrubia; 2000--George House; 2001--Dr. George West; 2002--Nick Blom; 2003--Willis D. ``Woody'' Woodward, D.V.M; 2004--Saxon Downs; 2005--Shirley Jorgensen; 2006--Bill Lyons, Jr; 2007--Carol Whiteside; 2008--Gary West; 2009--Dr. Mark Bender; 2010-- Dr. Richard Breitmeyer; 2011--Reverend Vernon Deatherege; 2011--Barbara Deatherege, Ph.D. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the Good Egg Breakfast for 50 years of promoting eggs, agriculture, and community service.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the rich heritage of the Modesto Arch as it celebrates 100 years of symbolic history in the Central Valley. Early settlements in the great Central Valley of California were established along the only transportation routes available at the time--the rivers. In 1854, Stanislaus County had a population under 1,000 individuals. The county was named after Estanislao, a Native American who fought battles along the rivers in the area. A statue was recently dedicated in the Stanislaus County Courthouse Park to honor Chief Estanislao. If you've lived in Modesto for any length of time, you've probably heard the story of how the city got its name. Originally laid out by the Central Pacific Railroad, there was an effort made to name the new village after one of the people involved with the development of the railroad venture--William C. Ralston, a San Francisco banker. Not wanting his name to be associated with something so new, he declined ``modestly''--hence the name and the legend of Modesto. In 1871, Modesto was voted the county seat of Stanislaus County; and from then on, it became the permanent trading center of the county. In 1884, it was incorporated; and in the same year, steps were taken to organize irrigation districts to supply water for the surrounding lands, which were devoted to grain growing and cattle. It was not until 1904, that the long fight for irrigation was won and the irrigation works were completed. From that point, colonization and development had been rapid and Modesto has grown as the metropolis within the county. In 1912, the Modesto Arch--located at 9th and I Streets--was constructed by the Modesto Booster Club, founders of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. The arch spanned the entrance to the city for many years. Other than a short move during the Ninth Street expansion and a recent refurbishment, there has never been a real threat to dismantle the city's most famous landmark. There are 696 light bulbs on the arch, and it was christened with a bottle of canal water. The unique Modesto Arch is inscripted with ``Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health,'' which was selected over ``Nobody's Got Modesto's Goat.'' One hundred years later, Modesto's esteemed landmark has been restored to its original glory. Community volunteers developed plans to update the lighting, patch the concrete, restore the original color scheme, replace the flag poles, and reinforce the structure, so the Arch will stand as a Modesto icon for another century. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating with the Modesto Chamber of Commerce and the City of Modesto for their efforts in protecting a landmark and the heritage of our community. The Arch bears witness to Modesto's past and future. Congratulations on the last 100 years and the restoration effort to keep ``Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health'' for generations to come.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Elizabeth ``Beth'' Barnes, Tuolumne County Senior Veterans Services Representative, who will retire in December 2012, after 35 years of outstanding service to our veterans. Elizabeth ``Beth'' Barnes was born October 2, 1945, in San Andreas, California. Beth moved to Tuolumne County in 1967 and went to work at Brown's Drive Inn in 1972. On June 1, 1977, she was hired on as a Housekeeper at Tuolumne General Hospital. On June 5, 1982, she was promoted to a clerk typist in the Veterans Office. Beth was then promoted to Senior Veterans Services Representative on November 5, 2000. Beth married Harold ``Barney'' Barnes on March 26, 1965. Barney went to work for Rasmussen Lumber Company, now known as the Sierra Pacific Industries, in Chinese Camp on September 12, 1965, and retired on June 28, 2012. Beth and Barney have three sons: Stephen, Harold Jr. (Chip) and wife Debbie, and Rick and wife Sheila. Stephen and Rick both enlisted in the Marines and each served eight years. Beth's first passion is her family and home, then her family of veterans. She served as the Secretary of the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers from 1992 until 2012. She also served as the Secretary of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers from 2006 to 2012. Over the years, Beth's name has become synonymous with Veterans Services. Before most of us had even entered public service, Beth had gained a reputation for her vast experience helping veterans and their families apply for and obtain their benefits. Her devotion to veterans is not only professional, but personal. Many of her family members have served in the military, so it is not surprising that working with veterans has become her life's work. The work that Beth has chosen to do makes significant differences for our veterans--from applying for financial compensation, to ensuring veterans receive appropriate medical care, to helping their dependents with health insurance and college tuition. She has filed claims and advised veterans from the Spanish-American War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Beirut, Grenada, Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan. These benefits also help our community. Between 2009 and 2010, over one million dollars in new one-time benefits were obtained. Beth has numerous accreditations and affiliations with the following agencies: Accreditations with American Legion; California Department of Veteran Affairs; Disabled American Veterans; National Association of County Veteran Service Officers; California Association of County Veteran Service Officers; Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Veterans; Military Order of the Purple Heart; Retired Enlisted Association; World War I of USA; Vietnam Veterans of America; Jewish War Veterans; and Catholic War Veterans. To quote Beth: ``This is more than a job; it's a life.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Beth Barnes, Tuolumne County Senior Veterans Representative, for her many years of selfless service to our veterans and the betterment of our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Veterinary Service Inc., VSI, which will be inducted as a member of the Stanislaus County Ag Hall of Fame ``Legends in Agriculture'' during a ceremony in Modesto, California, on November 8, 2012. VSI is a success story some fifty-two years in the making. Headquartered in Modesto, VSI provides a diverse supply of animal health products. The company was founded in the late 1950's when Frank Sweetman, a local sales representative for a chemical supply company, invited two veterinarians, Dr. Willis Woodward and Dr. Donald Rosenberg, to join him in establishing an animal health and nutrition distributorship. John Pugliese then teamed up with Sweetman to form the new company's sales team. These four leaders' decision to band together would forever change their lives. Poultry was a major focus for the company during its first 20 years. Dr. Woodward became a renowned poultry pathologist, spending much of his time developing innovative products for the poultry industry. The company gradually expanded its offerings from poultry nutrition, to feed additives, to sanitation products and more. As the company continued to succeed, it explored ways to expand the business to meet the needs of more agricultural industries. In 1979, John Scheuber was hired to be the General Manager for the company--which by this point, included locations in Modesto, Fresno, Perris and Petaluma. Soon thereafter, VSI expanded to the retail feed store business. In the 1990's, the company set out on an ambitious expansion plan that included establishing a distribution center in Oregon. In 1995, VSI ventured in to dairy sales in the southern San Joaquin Valley; and four years later, it purchased Merced Dairy Supply to improve sales to dairies throughout Central California. Over the years, the dairy market has provided the company with great growth and continues to be a major share of the company's sales. As part of the company's expansion efforts, it diversified its product offerings to include pet products. Seeing increased opportunity in the pet segment, VSI purchased LA Pet, a primary pet food distributor, in 2001. With the acquisition, VSI became a one-stop supply option for all pet items needed by any retailer. VSI also expanded its efforts internationally when it teamed with a Chinese customer, Alix Co., to establish ASI, Animal Supplies International, which imported products into the U.S. VSI then became the owner of ASI and its sister company, JC Logistics, JCL--a freight forwarding company which moves containers for importing and exporting. With involvement in ASI and JCL, VSI became internationally connected. In 2004, Dr. Woodward passed away, and John Scheuber succeeded him as the President and CEO. The focus on innovation by VSI's founders established a solid foundation for the company, as well as a culture for success that remains today. The company not only supports the growing agricultural industry, but it has established a standard of employee relations which has greatly contributed to the company's success and positioned it for strong growth in the future. The four original stockholders established a company that thrives because of its successful strategy to retain talented employees. It introduced an innovative and motivational Profit Sharing Plan in 1972; and in 1991, it developed an Employee Stock Ownership Program, which enables each employee to own corporate stock. Today, at 52 years strong, VSI and its 220 employee-owners continue to provide quality products and customer-driven service for all segments of the animal health industry. VSI continues to be a strong supporter of the community, as well as a leader in the agricultural industry. Mr. Speaker, please join me in praising VSI, Veterinary Services Inc., for their significant contributions to agriculture and to the people of our local community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Mr. Robert W. Small for the time and energy he has dedicated to the Military Academy Nomination process by serving the constituents of the 19th Congressional District as a member of our Academy Selection Board. Robert W. Small was born in Lordsburg, New Mexico on February 11, 1935. Mr. Small served his country in both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. While in the Marine Corps, he was called to duty on combat missions in both Korea and Vietnam; yet, his service went beyond combat. Mr. Small completed duty as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor and Marine Corps Recruiter in addition to assignments with Inspector Instructor Staff, Hawk Missile System, and Infantry and Tanks. Beyond his work with the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Small has a distinguished career with the United States Army. As an Army Recruiter, Mr. Small recruited for the Army National Guard. His hard work was recognized in 1981, when he was awarded as the Top Recruiter for the entire nation--having enlisted 139 soldiers in one fiscal year. This award is a testament to Mr. Small's impeccable work ethic. Mr. Small's enthusiastic service to his country is demonstrated by his wide range of military work, including the California State Military Reserve. He served as Battalion Commander and Director of Recruiting State Wide and was assigned to the Commanding General's Staff as Staff Duty Officer. Mr. Small retired at the rank of Lt. Colonel. With forty years of military service, he serves as an example to all in his community. Beyond the military, Mr. Small continues to exemplify true citizenship in his civilian life. He attended California State University, Fresno and West Coast Bible College. Mr. Small was a founding Pastor of Wahiiwa Church of God in Oahu, Hawaii and a Pastor of Pinole Church of God in Pinole, California. He currently serves as Senior Care Pastor at Northwest Church in Fresno, California. He is a member of the American Legion, VFW, and current Commandant of the Marine Corps League. Robert served as Staff Assistant and Military Liaison to Congressman George Radanovich, former Representative of the 19th District of California. In addition, he served on the Academy Selection Board for both Congressman Radanovich and me. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Robert W. Small for his outstanding service to his country and community. His expertise as a member of the United States Armed Services and life experiences have made his time on the Academy Selection Board invaluable. He is a true public servant, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Captain Rod W. Stubblefield for the time and energy he has dedicated to the Military Academy Nomination process by serving the constituents of the 19th Congressional District as a member of our Academy Selection Board. Rod W. Stubblefield was born, raised, and schooled in Fresno, California. He graduated from California State University, Fresno (CSFU) with a Bachelor of the Arts and was a four-year letterman with the Fresno State Football Team. He returned to CSUF as a graduate student, where he earned his Master's in Business Administration. For 51 years, he has been a Trustee and Board Member of the Bulldog Foundation at Fresno State University and is a devoted fan and supporter of Bulldog Football. He has been married to Carol Stubblefield for 52 years, and their family has traveled extensively. They have been blessed with two sons, Tim and Curtis, and two grandchildren, Tori and Nicholas. Captain Stubblefield entered the United States Navy as a Seaman Recruit in January, 1951. He was a member of the 12-1 Surface Division while he completed his undergraduate education. In August of 1954, Mr. Stubblefield was commissioned as an Ensign in U.S. Navy. His professional schooling includes Department of Defense Graduate Studies, Boeing Aircraft Management Studies, National Security Management School, and studies at the Naval War College. Captain Stubblefield holds Active Duty Certification specialties in Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Master Deep Sea Diver, Scuba Diver, and Extensive Training in Atomic, Biological, and Nuclear Warfare and Terrorist Insurgency. In addition, he is a surface-qualifed officer. He has served numerous tours at sea, including U.S.S. Laws DD 558, U.S.S. Renville APA 227, U.S.S. Estes LCC 12, along with many more. Captain Stubblefield's major shore duties include Commanding officer: Naval Ammunition Depot, Hawthorne, Nevada; Officer in Charge: Naval Riverine Operations and Special Forces, Mare Island, California; Officer in Charge: Counterinsurgency Training with E0D, Unit 1, Hawaii; and Officer in Charge: US Navy Elk Hills, California, Petroleum Facility. Captain Stubblefield retired from the active service with the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1985. Capstain Stubblefield continues to serve his country as a representative of the U.S. Naval Academy. In 1973, the Navy assigned Capt. Stubblefield as the Central California Blue and Gold Officer. He currently represents thirty schools in the Central Valley. He as served on five Congressional All Academy Nominating Committees and is currently assigned to the 19th Congressional District of California. Captain Stubblefield greatly helped me during my term in Congress and has served honorably for Congressmen Sisk, Krebs, Coehlo and Radanovich. Beyond his significant military career, Captain Stubblefield has been employed by New York Life and NYLIFE Securities for 56 years as a Financial Planner and Agent. The Stubblefield Office specialized in Business, Personal and Estate Planning. Captain Stubblefield has been a Club Member for 45 years and also holds the Chartered Life Underwriter and Charter Financial Consultant designations. The Stubblefield Family has a combined service to New York Life for over 200 years. Captain Stubblefield has also been Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table for 37 years. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Captain Rod W. Subblefield for his outstanding service to his country and community. He has served the U.S. Navy for a total of 61 years, including 39 years at the Blue and Gold Officer to the United States Naval Academy. This service, along with his dedicated work as part of the Academy Selection Board, makes him an invaluable asset to his commuity. He is a true public servant, and I wish him continued success in his furutr endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Miss Genevieve Florez, who organized a school-wide donation project to send care package to our troops. At age 10, Genevieve is the youngest child of Susan and Steve Florez. She has attended Joshua Cowell Elementary School since kindergarten, where her mother is a teacher. The family lives in Twain Harte, and Genevieve and her mom commute to school daily--an hour and a half trip each way. While in the car she does her homework, reads, and talks with her mom about all of the things that fill the life of a 5th grader. Despite all the time that Genevieve dedicates to her studies and long commute, she still finds the energy to help with a home garden, participate in summer drama productions, and take dance classes. She loves art and keeps a sketchbook of her own fashion designs. Not only is Genevieve bright, happy, thoughtful, and creative, but she is a highly motivated self-starter ready to make a difference in the world. In fact, her goal is to be the future President of the United States. The care package project was inspired by Genevieve's admiration for her school principal, Ms. Bennett. Genevieve sent her the following letter: You inspired me. I want to help and stop world hunger, no more bullies, say thanks to police, fire-fighters, and ladies and men in the military. I also want to say thanks to the teachers. I don't know how to help. That's why I ask you. This is money to help with anything. Miss Florez had enclosed $20 dollars. After speaking with Principal Bennett about a variety of ways to reach out to people, Genevieve decided to pursue the idea of sending packages to soldiers overseas. Bennett put Genevieve in touch with the family of Corporal Charles O. Palmer--a United States Marine, who lost his life in Iraq on May 5, 2007. Corporal Palmer's family met with Genevieve to help her coordinate services as she prepared to send personal care packages to the troops. After organizing three school meetings to share her idea about the project, Genevieve had successfully earned the support of 70 students who wanted to participate. On September 11, 2012, a school assembly was held to remember those who lost their lives during the attacks and to honor the heroes that emerged who protect us every day. The Palmer Family spoke to the students about the collecting of items to send to the soldiers. They talked about the personal healing that the project brings to them, and they thanked the students for their efforts. They finished by letting the students know that they were all heroes for making a difference at that moment. After sorting through all of the donations, the Palmer Family, students, staff, and volunteers were able to send out 65 boxes to our very deserving troops. Mr. Speaker, please join me in praising Genevieve Florez for the significant contributions she has made to the people of the local community and for her honorable and faithful dedication to our service men and women of the United States of America.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2903) to reauthorize the programs and activities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as amended.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me first start by saying I am proud that we have got another bipartisan bill here that addresses many different areas from FEMA to IPAWS. Getting the tribal language in here, I think, is not only a good bipartisan effort, but one that the administration is supporting, as well working directly with Director Fugate. I was glad to see the administration put out an email on the tribal language just a little while ago. Let me respond to the concern that this bill may not allow FEMA to respond to a terrorist attack. It's just not true. First, the President used the Stafford Act and FEMA to declare a Federal disaster and to respond to every major terrorist attack in this country. There's no question FEMA, the Stafford Act, or this bill fully authorizes the President to direct any element of the Federal Government to respond to a terrorist attack. Second, one of the most important reforms made by this bill is to remove the liability cloud hanging over our urban search and rescue teams when they're called into Federal service to respond to a disaster. On September 11, these teams responded to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. They responded to Hurricane Katrina and even the earthquake in Haiti. Many of these brave first responders are licensed medical professionals or engineers who knowingly put themselves at risk when they are federalized and sent to other States. The urban search and rescue teams have waited 10 years to remove this cloud over their heads. This bill finally fixes that problem. That's why this bill is supported by the urban search and rescue teams, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the National Association of Counties, the National Emergency Management Association, and the International Association of Emergency Managers. They also support this bill and support our first responders. Vote for this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mr. DENHAM. This bill in no way authorizes FEMA or anyone else to impose any obligations on any participant in the communications industry. Only the FCC can require a participant in the communications industry to take any action with respect to emergency-related alerts. To make this clear, we agree to add language at a later stage indicating that nothing in this bill requires or allows FEMA or any other government entity to require any action on the part of the FCC, the Department of Commerce, the Office of Energy Communications, or any nongovernment entity; nor does it have any impact on any existing obligations of these entities.

Mr. DENHAM. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon, chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Mr. Walden, for a colloquy.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 2903, the FEMA Reauthorization Act, would reauthorize FEMA and make important reforms that will save money and speed up disaster recovery. It keeps FEMA funding at current levels and fully complies with House budget rules, and it includes bipartisan provisions passed by the House last Congress. This legislation is the product of key Members working together to produce real reforms. First, let me thank Chairman John Mica, the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, for his strong leadership and work on this legislation. I also want to thank Ranking Member Norton, of the subcommittee, for her help in drafting legislation that protects our first responders, incorporates real reforms, and strengthens our emergency management capability. The legislation also incorporates a top priority of the ranking member's of the full committee, Mr. Rahall's, which enables Indian tribes to request disaster declarations--provisions I support. I thank him for his work on these important provisions. I also want to thank Chairman King of the Committee on Homeland Security and to thank Chairman Bilirakis of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications for their leadership and working with us on the integrated public alert and warning system provisions of the bill. I look forward to working with the Committee on Homeland Security on other important issues. Finally, I want to thank the gentlemen from New York and Missouri, Mr. Hanna and Mr. Carnahan, for their work and leadership on reauthorizing the National Dam Safety Program included in this bill. I am also pleased that this legislation has wide support from key stakeholders representing first responders, State and local officials, tribal communities, and the private sector. We have received letters endorsing provisions in this bill from the National Emergency Management Association, the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Alliance of State Broadcasting Associations, the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Association of Counties, the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, the Disaster Recovery Contractors Association, the National Task Force Representative for the 28 sponsoring agencies of Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces, and tribal communities around the Nation. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has a long tradition of approaching FEMA and emergency management issues in a bipartisan manner. Disasters don't follow political boundaries, and ensuring we are prepared is critical to our Nation. From major hurricanes to floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires, nuclear accidents, and terrorist attacks, the costs of disasters can be significant, not just in terms of economic costs, but in the devastation to lives, homes, and communities. A good response to a disaster is critical to saving lives and minimizing damage, but recovering from such devastation is the key to rebuilding local economies and in helping people put their lives back together. After Hurricane Katrina, Congress authorized FEMA for the first time and fundamentally reformed the Nation's disaster response system. Congress rebuilt FEMA and strengthened disaster response capabilities. We created a National Preparedness System so that States and the Federal Government will have the plans and resources in place before disaster strikes. But, as the reconstruction from Hurricane Katrina dragged on and on, it became apparent Congress needed to streamline the disaster recovery programs so communities can rebuild faster and for less money. The longer it takes to rebuild basic infrastructure after a disaster, the longer it takes for a local economy and tax base to recover and the more it costs Federal taxpayers. The FEMA Reauthorization Act includes key reforms to save money by cutting through costly and bureaucratic red tape and speeding up reconstruction. For example, at one of our subcommittee hearings last year, the inspector general's office testified that, if FEMA just implemented the cost estimating provisions of the Disaster Mitigation Act, recovery could be sped up significantly and costs minimized. H.R. 2903 sets deadlines for FEMA to finally implement these commonsense provisions, and it makes other changes that will save taxpayers money. This bill also would make other important reforms, including setting a clear framework for the development of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, the IPAWS system, to ensure money is not wasted. At the committee's request, the GAO issued a report in 2009 detailing the key problems with FEMA's development of IPAWS. We also heard from many stakeholders, including the elderly, people with disabilities, as well as from industries like the commercial broadcasters and wireless industry, that FEMA was not giving them a seat at the table as FEMA modernized the system. H.R. 2903 sets a clear framework and deadlines to ensure key stakeholders are a part of FEMA's modernization of the system. This will be critical in ensuring there are effective alerts and warnings to the public. In addition to these commonsense reforms, this reauthorizes FEMA's overall management budget, the Urban Search and Rescue System, and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. This legislation will save lives, save money, and help communities that have been devastated by disasters to recover and rebuild faster. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2903, as amended. I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Homeland Security, Washington, DC, September 17, 2012. Hon. John L. Mica, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Mica: I am writing in regards to the jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Homeland Security over provisions in H.R. 2903, the FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2011, which was ordered to be reported by voice vote as amended by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on March 8, 2012 and sequentially referred to the Committee on Homeland Security on September 17, 2012. I understand the importance of advancing this legislation to the House floor in an expeditious manner. Therefore, the Committee on Homeland Security will discharge H.R. 2903 from further consideration. This action is conditional on our mutual understanding and agreement that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security over the subject matter included in this or similar legislation. In addition, I would like to thank you for working with me on modifying H.R. 2903 to include provisions that were within Chairman Bilirakis' bill, H.R. 3563, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2011. I request that you urge the Speaker to appoint members of this Committee to any conference committee for consideration of any provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Homeland Security in the House-Senate conference on this or similar legislation. I also request that this letter and your response be included during consideration of this measure on the House floor. Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Sincerely, Peter T. King, Chairman.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service career of Commander Robert Hadley Brown. Commander Brown served his country in the United States Navy and will soon be celebrating his upcoming retirement as District Attorney for Mariposa County. In December of 1960, Commander Brown entered the United States Navy through Officer Candidate's School and was commissioned into the U.S. Naval Reserve. Robert then married his college sweetheart, Jo Ann, in Memphis, Tennessee on June 4, 1961. As the couple continued their lives together they were blessed with two children, Robert Hadley Brown, Jr. and Elizabeth Ann Brown Rinella, along with four grandchildren-- Benjamin, Hadley, Dylan, and Shauna. In 1963, Commander Brown was commissioned into the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Junior grade. After being commissioned, Commander Brown served on three warships, as well as commanding a River Patrol Division in Vietnam, where his division earned a Presidential Unit Citation. Robert was also awarded a Bronze Star in recognition of his superior service. While on active duty, Commander Brown and his family lived in Hawaii, Germany, Rhode Island, and San Diego. After twenty years of active service in the United States Navy, Robert honorably retired as a Commander in 1980. After ending his U.S. Naval career, Commander Brown continued his education at the University of Memphis. Robert then attended Boston University earning his Master's Degree in Education. He finished his collegiate career at Thomas Jefferson University in 1985, where he received his Juris Doctorate and graduated fourth in his class. Commander Brown's dedication to his studies was rewarded that same year, when he passed the state bar. In his new career path as a lawyer, Commander Brown joined a law firm in San Diego. After two years, he knew he wanted to be a prosecutor and joined the San Diego City Attorney's Office. In 1989, Robert and Jo Ann bought a ranch in Mariposa County and moved from San Diego. Robert became a Deputy District Attorney in Merced County in June of 1989, and was later promoted to a Supervising Deputy District Attorney. Commander Brown retired from this position in November, 2002. In that same year, he was elected as the Mariposa County District Attorney. He was then reelected in 2006 and 2010. During his ten years of service in this capacity, Commander Brown dedicated his time to protecting the citizens of Mariposa County. On October 31, 2012, Commander Brown will retire as the Mariposa County District Attorney. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Commander Robert Hadley Brown for his outstanding achievements in his career. He is a true public servant. I congratulate him on his retirement, and wish him the best of success in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated work of Alison Tudor who serves as the Program Director with Mountain Crisis Services in Mariposa. As the Program Director, Alison spearheads the mission of Mountain Crisis Services, which seeks to prevent domestic and sexual violence by advocating for positive changes in the community. Alison was born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida in Gainseville with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Ecology. Her love of the outdoors brought her to Yosemite National Park, where she moved to work with youth in environmental education for five years. For the past year, Alison has served as the Program Director at Mountain Crisis Services in Mariposa. Prior to beginning this position, Alison managed prevention programs, including Project Respect and Promoting Gender Respect, which aim to prevent bullying and teen dating violence in Mariposa County. Along with her important work at Mountain Crisis Services, Alison has also contributed greatly to the rape prevention work being conducted in coordination with the University of California, Merced. This hard work has not gone unrecognized. Alison was awarded the Prevention Educator of the Year Award in August, 2012 given through the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. In addition to her prevention work, Alison serves as Chair for the Central Valley's Public Policy and Research Committee, a group which tracks legislation that impacts domestic and sexual violence. Alison's passion for knowing the complex issues surrounding domestic violence is a role which she embraces. She continuously goes above and beyond to assist the people of Mariposa. Alison is also a trained Doula. When she discovered that her community had about fourteen pregnant teens, she organized a parenting and childbirth class to address the specific needs of this young population. Furthermore, she spent countless hours helping to develop the Ethos Youth Center, a program of Mountain Crisis Services, which provides a healthy and safe environment for youth to gather while connecting with positive adult role models. Alison's ability to see the big picture makes her invaluable to her organization and to the prevention efforts against domestic violence and sexual assault. Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing and thanking Ms. Alison Tudor for her hard work as the Program Director of Mountain Crisis Services and for her continued efforts to increase the safety and wellbeing of residents in our Mariposa community. I wish her continued success in her future endeavors, and again, thank her for her dedication to improving the lives of all people living in Mariposa.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Mr. David A. Linn for the time and energy he has dedicated to the Military Academy Nomination process by serving the constituents of the 19th Congressional District as a member of our Academy Selection Board. David A. Linn was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 8, 1948. In June of 1970, Mr. Linn was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve through Purdue Universities' NROTC Program. Mr. Linn served his country honorably in Vietnam aboard the USS Virgo ammunition ship. Later, while still on active duty, Mr. Linn was trained and certified as a terrier missile systems officer by the Department of Defense. He then served aboard the USS Dahlgren, a guided missile frigate, and the USS Dale of the standing NATO forces in the Atlantic. After leaving active duty in 1973, Mr. Linn continued to serve as part of the Naval Reserve. During his reserve years, he served on numerous ships, participated in exercises at the Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island, and served on the staff of Commander and Chief of the Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He retired with the rank of Commander. As a civilian, Mr. Linn married Betty Linn, Publisher of the Sierra Star Newspaper. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University, a Master's Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University. Mr. Linn has practiced law for the past thirty-seven years and is currently the senior partner at the law firm of Linn Law Offices in Oakhurst, California. He is licensed to practice in California and has also been admitted to the Bar by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the United States Claims Court, and the United States Supreme Court. A sense of volunteerism has driven much of Mr. Linn's life. He has served as President of the Oakhurst Community Fund and Oakhurst Community Park Association since 1984. He is a former President of the Oakhurst Sierra Rotary Club, the Eastern Madera County Bar Association, and the Eastern Madera County Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Linn has remained politically active throughout his career and in his private life. He has served on many councils, including Congressional Advisory Councils, the Congressional Business Council, and Congressional Service Academy Selection Boards for the past eighteen years. He was the Republican nominee for the 18th Congressional District in 1988; and in 1989, he was the Eastern Madera County Man of the Year. He has been a member of the California Republican State Central Committee for fourteen years and currently is a Madera County Civil Service Commissioner. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring David A. Linn for his outstanding service to his country and community. His expertise as a Naval Officer, strong academic background, and life experiences have made his contributions on the Academy Selection Board for former Representative George Radanovich and myself invaluable. He is a true public servant, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.