Jeff Denham

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. It would be a fraction of the price, tens of thousands of jobs that would be lost of seeing farmland that goes by without being planted this year. We have a huge drought. There are huge issues. And what everybody is trying to say is a high-speed rail--keep in mind, this initial segment, this initial operating segment which has a $20 billion funding gap, is not going to be electrified. It will not be high-speed. By their numbers, by their plan, this is another set of track that will not be electrified, that will run as it is being run today, with a $20 billion gap. So even if you came up with the entire $32 billion of this initial segment, we are still stuck in the same situation that we are. We are just that much further in the hole. Now, I know some of my colleagues would say, well, just spend the money as quickly as you can. Let's just spend some of it, and like other projects, once you have started it, some day the money will come. I don't think we can deal with that type of pie-in-the-sky rhetoric. I believe we have got to have a full funding plan that makes sense, one that has a private investor that was promised to us. We have heard several times that, if you just write the legislation, we will have a private investor; if you just put it on the ballot and approve it by the legislature before it actually goes to the voters, we will have private investors that will sign on to this. Then it was right after the ballot passed, we have nearly $10 billion committed to by the taxpayers, for sure we are going to have a private investor now. Five years later, after the Federal Government has come up with several billion dollars, after the voters are now on the hook for $10 billion, and still today there is no private investor. You would be a fool to invest in this. This isn't Florida's project. This isn't Texas' project. This is a project with a huge funding gap that still is not going to be electrified--by their plan.

Mr. DENHAM. There are important deadlines. Again, this is part of the Antideficiency Act that says the 50/50 match now is coming due for the State. So April 1, $180 million is due. The question for the Governor is: Where is that money going to come from? We can't just continue to change deadlines. And the question to the administration is: Are you going to continue to allow California not to guarantee its matching funds? It is going against the Antideficiency Act, the reason that is put into law.

Mr. DENHAM. Well, certainly, we are falling way behind the rest of the world. Other technologies are starting to flourish in other parts of the world, yet here this project will take at least 30 years but, more likely, 50 to 60 based on where they are currently standing on the project. So this is something that will be far outdated technology if it ever gets completed. But the real question is on the funding. Where is the commitment? This President certainly could look for or come up with other money. He could propose other money to fulfill this project. Not even Democrats will support that. That is not a Republican issue. This is an issue across the Nation saying, why would we come up with money, when we are starved across the Nation, to throw at a project in California that is being mismanaged? I think that there are real questions there not only for the administration but private investors that are not willing to sink money into a failing project. They don't know what they are on the hook for. They don't know how long of a commute this will be or what the ridership numbers will ever be. Even by this entire plan, there are too many stops. Whether you talk to the Rail Authority or whether you talk to investors around the world, with that many stops in those locations, you will never get to the 220-miles-per-hour speed, and you will never get to 2 hours and 40 minutes. This thing is full of holes. It makes no sense for voters, and voters should have a say-so on whether or not they are going to commit any initial money or any further money as we move forward. This is about our future, not yours and mine, but our kids, our grandkids, and the type of debt that we saddle them with. At a certain point, I think that not only Californians, but Americans, need to wake up and say whether or not this is a project that deserves an investment. Can we do things smarter? Can we do things like Florida and Texas? I don't think Florida and Texas are going to be alone. I think there will be other States that step up and find ways to do high-speed rail and find ways to make a commonsense solution in their States. But in this State, this project is flawed. It is initially flawed by $20 billion, but certainly by more than $55 billion if we decide to move forward. At a certain point, you have to ask, how much is enough? I would say that now is enough.

Mr. DENHAM. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Levelle Guinn Davis, who celebrated his 100th birthday on January 3, 2014. Mr. Levelle Guinn Davis was born in Corralitos, Santa Cruz County, California to Jay Ammon and Mel Agusta (Guinn) Davis. He was the 2nd of 6 children. Levelle's father was a native of Plymouth, California in Amador County. Levelle was raised in several areas: preschool in San Jose, early school years in Gilroy, grade school years from Crows Landing and Mountain View Road then Faith Home Elementary in Ceres where Walter White was the Principal. As a junior at Modesto High School, he decided to go to work full time against the advice of his counselor, Grace M. Davis. He became friends with the pioneer Hackett family boys and in 1935, married their little sister, Ruth Etta Hackett in the Bethel Church at 15th and G Streets, Modesto, California. Levelle and Ruth started their family and had two sons, Leonard Aaron and Daniel Arlen while employed at the Spreckels sugar mill near Salinas, California. He was a drive belt maintenance specialist and moved to Tuolumne County in 1943 to be closer to his parents and siblings. In 1952, the family moved to Stockton to allow Lenard and Daniel better education opportunities. Both sons attended Stockton Junior College and served in the California Army National Guard in Stockton. After their sons were married, Levelle and Ruth moved back to Modesto in 1965 to be near the families of his sister and Ruth's brothers. Mr. Davis retired after 10 years as a tomato paste cook with the Tri Valley Growers Cannery. Between seasons, he would drive eight row corn combine harvesters; he was a member of the Local #12 Teamsters Cannery Workers Union. He enjoyed having a large garden with a variety of fruit trees. Ruth canned and froze everything that they grew. Mr. Davis was a member of the Calvary Temple Church when Pastor Joe Wright was serving there. During that time, he would lead a large group of Senior RVers to numerous camp outings to places like Frank Rains Park in Del Puerto Canyon and Oakdale Reservoir. He enjoys all kinds of table games with friends at Modesto Verde. Mr. Levelle Guinn Davis has enjoyed traveling to all 50 states, including Hawaii and several trips to Alaska. He has a clock and watch collection as well as ``button'' accordions, harmonicas and has enjoyed various types of photography: 8mm movies, VHS videos, Sawyers 3-D and 35mm slides to name a few. Levelle and Ruth were married 70 years and have three grandchildren; Laura Giovanetti, Danial Aaron Davis and Renee Crabtree and seven great-grand children: Nick, Alex, Heidi, Kaitlyn, Mitchell, Ashley and Jake. Levelle has been blessed with good health: he reads without glasses, drinks pure water, takes health supplements and has never consumed alcohol nor smoked cigarettes. He has always been health conscience and wanted to set a good example for his sons. He takes a walk to the clubhouse several days a week and exercises on the trampoline. He even wins at dominoes and other games he plays regularly. Mr. Davis is a current member of the Modesto Parlor Number 11 of the Native Sons of the Golden West. He still has a good sense of humor and likes to tell jokes. He tells everyone that, like the California Governor, he also has a Highway Patrolman as his driver; his oldest son Leonard, who is a retired CHP pilot. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Mr. Levelle Guinn Davis as he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life of Mr. Dan Bilbrey, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the Air Force and an outstanding leader in the community of Tracy, California. Dan Bilbrey moved to Tracy, California in 1968 where he eventually served as the Mayor for 12 years, from 1994 to 2006 after a term on the City Council from 1990 to 1994. At age 68, Mr. Bilbrey died in his home in the early morning on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, after suffering an illness for 7 months. As mayor, Mr. Bilbrey played critical roles in many key community projects including: the Tracy Outlets, the West Valley Mall, construction of the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts, the Civic Center, renovation of the fire administration building at Ninth Street and Central Avenue, completion of the South County Water Surface Project, and establishment of a city parks system. The city of Tracy honored Mr. Bilbrey's long career of service to the community on February 5th by dedicating the plaza at City Hall, 333 Civic Center Drive, in his name. Dan was a man of strong faith and conviction. He was a loyal, patient man that his family and community have always been proud and blessed to have in their lives. He was of the highest integrity, a man of wisdom and courage, strength and honor, who respected, and was respected by all. He was always there to help, whether it was a boy scout, a teenager, or any other individual. Mr. Bilbrey gave 100% into all projects; big or small, they were all of equal importance. He was a man of many hats: Mayor, Councilman, Foundation Director, reserve policeman, medic, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and recently a great grandfather. He was born to Quitman and Lena Bilbrey and had one sibling, Ann Lamb; all have now passed. He has two children, John and Jennifer, three grandchildren, Savannah, Toli Jr. and Rylee, and one great granddaughter, Danni, who was named after him. His sister, Ann, married Spencer Lamb; they have three children, Terry, Sherry, and Elizabeth, who were very close to him. There are many great nieces and nephews, all of whom Dan's love and life touched. When Dan had free time, he enjoyed spending it in his garden with his, ``sweetie,'' Josie and his Boston Terrier. They made many trips to Oregon to visit grandchildren. They have also visited Europe, specifically: Portugal, Ireland, and England. Dan took after-Christmas trips to Hawaii with close friends to bring in the New Year. He took several cruises to the Panama Canal, Central America and Alaska. Dan made friends everywhere he went and influenced many with his wisdom and kindness. He will be greatly missed by all. His contributions to our lives and community will always be remembered. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Dan Bilbrey for his life and great contributions to his family, community and country.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 1614) to require Certificates of Citizenship and other Federal documents to reflect name and date of birth determinations made by a State court and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life of a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great- great-grandmother Mae Elizabeth Robinson. She was born on October 9, 1917, and departed her earthly habitat to join Heaven's family on December 5, 2013. She was the center of the family universe and will be so missed. Mae was a licensed psychiatric technician for the State of California. She loved her family first and loved to host family dinners, which were well known, especially for her fried chicken. In her later years she enjoyed playing cards with her retired friends. Mae Robinson was an active member nearly 54 years of the Escalon Republican Women Federated Club, California Federation of Republican Women and National Federation of Republican Women. At age 96, Mae served most recently as Vice President of the Escalon RWF club and participated in meetings, activities, Escalon Park Fete, and `Get out the Vote' efforts in the last election cycle. Mae was known as Mrs. Republican Woman in the Escalon community and served as a mentor to many with great enthusiasm and energy. Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Robinson and son, Charles Alfred Robinson. She leaves behind three children: Colleen Woods (Fresno), Bonnie Tabor (Modesto), Carl Robinson (Stockton), and a daughter-in-law, Helen Robinson; two siblings: Gladys Eiland (Los Angeles) and Alfred Stapleton (Modesto); six grandchildren: Rick McCombs (Modesto), Cindy Brown (Fresno), Michael McCombs (Modesto), Diane Goin (Clovis), Cheryl Camacho (San Antonio, TX) and Robbie Robinson (San Angelo, TX). Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mae Elizabeth Robinson for her accomplishments and contributions. The life of Mae Robinson serves as an example of excellence to those in her life, and her legacy will not be soon forgotten.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Ed Rocha and Rocha's Valley Enterprises, which will be inducted as a member of the Stanislaus County Agricultural Hall of Fame ``Legends in Agriculture'' during a ceremony in Modesto, California, on November 14, 2013. Trucking is truly a family legacy for the Rocha family. In 1924, John Rocha founded John N Rocha transportation. They started hauling milk, hay and dairy supplies and added cattle a few years later. In 1952, when Ed was a senior in high school, his dad took him to Salinas Dressed Beef Company, in Salinas, CA, to look at two nearly-new 1951 Peterbilt Cabovers they had for sale. His dad told him, ``If I like the deal, you're in business.'' They ended up buying the trucks and Ed and his father became partners under the name Rocha Livestock Transportation. Ten years later, Ed decided to go out on his own and started Ed Rocha Livestock Transportation. Over the years, Ed's operations expanded to Stockton and Modesto and the fleet grew to include tankers, vans, curtain vans, flats and of course cattle trucks. In 1990, Valley Enterprises was founded, leasing tomato trailers to the Morningstar Company. To this day they are handling the shuttle and interplant business for E&J Gallo. It is important to note that the Rocha family has been hauling for the Gallo family for over 70 years. A true family business, Ed's youngest son Douglas was running a tomato operation at twelve years old, helped out by his sister Stephanie, at only nine years old. Today, Doug runs Valley Enterprises whose fleet consists of 27 power units and 150 sets of trailers. Dedicated to giving back to the industry, Ed is very active with several trucking organizations. He is the former president of the California Trucking Association and is active in the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS). Ed also serves on the board of directors for the American Trucking Association (ATA), served on the National Ag Science Center Board of Directors, and he is the executive director and past president of the Hays Antique Truck Museum. His community involvement spreads beyond transportation, Ed and Carole helped start Children's Guardian Home in Oakdale, a home that takes in abused and abandoned children. Ed is a past president of the Children's Crisis Center in Modesto. Mr. Speaker, please join me in praising Ed Rocha and Rocha's Valley Enterprises, for their significant contributions to agriculture and to the people of our local community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Cindy Marks, the 2013 President of the California School Boards Association. I want to recognize Cindy for her dedication to education over the past fifteen years. In addition to being a junior high and high school Health Education speaker, she spent the past thirteen years as a host family for unwed pregnant teens, and the past eleven years as a mentor at an inner city Apartment Complex in Modesto working with at-risk youth and youth gang members. These are only a few among her many achievements that deserve to be recognized. As President of CSBA, Cindy chairs a number of CSBA Task Forces and Councils. These include the Educational Legal Alliance Steering Committee, the Linked Learning Task Force, and CSBA's Superintendents Advisory Council. She is a member of the Cities, Counties and Schools Partnership Board of Directors and she represents CSBA on the Education Coalition, a consortium of education stake holder groups. In addition to serving in these leadership positions at a regional and state-wide level, Cindy has served on numerous county-wide committees pertaining to at-risk youth and student achievement. She was appointed by the legislature to the ``Joint Committee to develop a master plan for education--Kindergarten through University.'' She is currently a member of the task force on k-12 Civic Learning, a joint task force established by Chief Justice Tani Canti-Sakauye and State Superintendent of public instruction Tom Torlakson. The task force will bring definition to the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that students and community members need to be informed of. Cindy leads the sub-group on Business and Community Partners. In 2013, President Cindy Marks was named, ``Elected Woman of the Year'' by California Women Lead, a nonprofit, nonpartisan association of women holding--or aspiring to hold--elected or appointed office. She was among five women honored by the organization this year. Moreover, Cindy has served on a variety of prestigious national governance-related committees including the ``100 District Leader Network for Citizenship and Service Learning,'', a collaboration among national education associations such as the National School Boards Association and the American Association of School Administrators. She also serves on the National School Boards Association Pacific Region Board. Cindy is also a board member for the Latino Emergency Council, the city Ministry Network, and a founding member of the Dr. Parker Steering Committee to address the achievement gap and how it relates to African American students. Cindy's passion for education, her expertise across a wide-range of policy areas from school finance and fiscal reform to dropout prevention and school discipline, safe schools, and state and federal legislative issues make her one of California's outstanding education leaders. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Cindy Marks for her hard work, dedication to education, and for serving as an inspiration to others around her. I wish her great success in her future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, all we are asking is the President keeps his word. I have got hundreds of letters now from constituents from all across my entire district. Nate from Oakdale says: Before the Affordable Care Act, our health coverage was $279 a month for me and my wife. We recently got a letter in the mail stating that our plan is no longer available due to the Affordable Care Act and that our premium will be $434.60 a month, an increase of $155.60. Tom from Ceres says: Farm Bureau has informed me that my med insurance will be canceled in January 2014. My premium will increase 170 percent for now. Valerie from Denair: My policy was canceled. In shopping for a new plan, I see that my monthly cost will at least triple for inferior coverage. These lists go on and on and on. Dawn from Turlock says: I just received a letter today from my health care provider, and they have notified us our health care insurance has just doubled. We owe it to the American people that this does not go on any longer. The President needs to fulfill his promise.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, like everybody else here today, let me thank you for you leadership, not only on this bill, but on the overall Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It is truly bipartisan. Secondly, I want to talk about the flood-control project impacting residents of my district that I have been working on for more than a decade. The Chief's Report is in: Orestimba Creek and San Joaquin River Basin near the city of Newman, located in my district. The Army Corps has officially endorsed the authorization of a plan for flood-risk management by constructing a levee along the city of Newman's northwestern perimeter known as the Chevron Levee. This project is a local partnership with the city of Newman and the County of Stanislaus and was initiated over a decade ago.

Mr. DENHAM. Without construction of this levee, the people of Newman and the surrounding area will be at continual risk of flooding resulting from the overflow of Orestimba Creek. In association with the construction of the levee, the city of Newman will develop and implement an advance warning system. Mr. Chairman, included in this legislation we are considering today are several Chief's Reports that were received in time for the committee to review. I ask that your commitment to working with me to ensure the Chief's Report on Orestimba can be reviewed in this process.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Carol Hadley, President of the California Federation of Republican Women 2012-2013. Carol is an energetic and tireless leader for the Republican Party, its elected officials, and conservative principles and ideals. She has performed an exemplary service for her party and the California Federation of Republican Women over the years, and her term as President will be coming to an end this year. Carol grew up in Manassa, Colorado. She attended Eastern New Mexico University and also, Eastern Oregon University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree. Carol found a partner in life when she married Jerry Hadley, and he has been supportive in her endeavors ever since. Mrs. Hadley has been active in the Republican Party for numerous years, holding many local and state positions within the organization before being elected President in 2012. Carol has been an outstanding advocate all across the state of California promoting the objectives of the CFRW. Through her efforts, she has let the charge to: ``Promote an informed public through education and activity; increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government; influence legislation and maintain a CFRW presence in State government in accordance with CFRW goals; promote a wider knowledge of the principles and policies of the Republican Party; Encourage active citizenship; cooperate with the California Republican Party and the County Central Committees for the election of Republican Nominees; facilitate cooperation among Federated Republican Women's Unit Clubs; and foster loyalty to Republican candidates in all elections including nonpartisan elections.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating with the California Federation of Republican Women as they honor Carol Hadley and her leadership. Congratulations, I wish Carol every success in her continued endeavors in support of our nation, its freedom and its history.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today as a Central Valley farmer, a friend of farmers, an agricultural employer and an agricultural worker, and the Representative of a community that is dependent upon agriculture for its livelihood. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I understand the specialized needs of various sectors of our ag economy across the country. My priorities for this farm bill are: First and foremost, providing a 5-year certainty for farmers while saving taxpayers dollars by eliminating direct payments and reforming nutrition programs for the first time since 1996. Second, we need to support innovative research and development on specialty crops, a major export for our region and our country as a whole. Third, we must support programs and increase exports and take advantage of all of the new trade agreements we have strengthened and established in the past years and prepare for those markets which are beginning to open to our ag products. Fourth, we must also protect domestic produce and farms from pests and diseases that primarily come from other countries. And fifth and finally, it is imperative that we uphold a State's right to protect its own agriculture industry by passing laws related to safety and agricultural production. It is time to conference on the farm bill and work with our Senate counterparts to produce a final product that will maintain a safety net for those most in need and give American growers and producers a competitive and productive global edge while saving taxpayers money. I now yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott).

Mr. DENHAM. I thank the gentleman from Georgia. I now yield to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Daines).

Mr. DENHAM. I thank the gentleman from Montana. I now recognize the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao).

Mr. DENHAM. I thank the gentleman from California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the McClintock- McCarthy-LaMalfa-Denham amendment. I'm proud to cosponsor this amendment to speed up the timber salvage project on the acres burned in this catastrophic Yosemite Rim fire. I'm never surprised by some of the arguments that are made down here. You will hear that we just don't have enough people to go out there and survey. But yet by harvesting this very timber that will be rotted or infested in several months, it would actually pay not only for the Forest Service to go out there and survey and help to pay for the Forest Service salaries, but actually, in a community like ours, help to pay for our schooling and some of our local costs as well. The timber salvage can go a long way to benefit local economies throughout the State. This timely amendment limits the amount of lawsuits that could be used to slow down and hold up the salvage process. Under the proposed amendment, wood salvaged from the Yosemite Rim fire could be quickly sent to mills across California, fueling construction projects and benefiting local economies receiving the timber and providing much-needed local jobs and revenues to the impacted counties. Our communities have suffered untold damage with the historic and catastrophic wildfire that burned over 400 square miles.

Mr. DENHAM. The air quality is worsened, the fertile range land near the fire may have been sterilized by the heat, our water sources will experience degradation from runoff, and our beautiful forest land will remain blackened and sparse for years to come. I ask your assistance in passing this critical amendment to put people back to work and start cleaning up this catastrophic situation.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate Turlock High School Agriculture Department Chair Chad Russell, upon being awarded the ``Instructor Sweepstakes Award'' by the California State Fair for a fifth year. This award is a tribute to Mr. Russell's professional accomplishments in the field of education, as well as his dedicated commitment to his students and the art of welding. Chad Allen Russell was born on May 23, 1982, in Turlock, CA to Bev and Tom Russell. He grew up in Turlock, CA, the second largest city in Stanislaus County, which has a population of 68,549. It is home to California State University, Stanislaus, and has earned the title ``Heart of the Valley'' for its extensive agricultural production. As a child, Mr. Russell attended Mt. View-Chatom Schools and from 1996-2000 Mr. Russell was a standout FFA student at Turlock High School, mentored by several renown agriculture instructors including Dale Pollard, Joe Digrazia, and Lori Marchy. While at THS, Mr. Russell was an active participant in FFA and distinguished himself by winning several awards including the State FFA Star Agribusinessman Award and, in his senior year, Outstanding Project at the CA State Fair. Mr. Russell's facility with welding led him after high school to a job in that industry, where he worked for three years. Although Mr. Russell's salary as a welder was nearly double what a teacher earns, he felt called to this new profession and moved back to Turlock to begin attending Modesto Junior College, where he earned an A.A. degree in Agriculture. After MJC, Mr. Russell transferred to California State University, Fresno, where he majored in Ag Mechanics. While at Fresno State, Mr. Russell subcontracted for GEA Niro, who flew him around the country on weekends to weld. With degree in hand, Mr. Russell was hired by Turlock Unified School District in 2006 as a part-time ROP welding instructor and eventually worked his way into a full-time position as an Agriculture teacher. Alice Pollard, former Principal of Adult and Career Education at Turlock Unified School District has praised Mr. Russell's devotion to his students, ``Chad selflessly gives up his weekends, his spring and winter breaks, as well as spending more hours that you want to know during the summer helping his students.'' Cindy Young, Director of Yosemite ROP in Stanislaus County, relayed her awe at his commitment to his students, ``When I visit his classroom, I see more than a classroom, I see a business. His students are involved and engaged. They are committed to excellence. They are respectful and he is respectful of them. Mr. Russell is building tomorrow's workforce.'' It didn't take long after starting his career at THS for Mr. Russell to make a reputation as one of the foremost Ag Mechanics instructors in the State as his students began to win award after award at the Stanislaus County and California State fairs. In 2009, Dominic Agresti- Assali, one of Mr. Russell's stand-out welding students, custom-made two 54 foot almond trailers that went on to win 1st place in the State Ag Mechanics over-$10,000 division, earning Best in Division and Best in Show honors along with two other corporately-sponsored awards. That same year, eight other THS students earned first place and Best of Show honors at the State Fair. Most recently, in 2013, Mr. Russell earned his 5th Instructor Sweepstakes award at the State Fair based on his students' outstanding performance and THS junior Trey Smith won a Golden Bear Award, the fair's highest honor. Mr. Russell's students are highly sought after for welding jobs at local businesses due to the reputation he has established in the community as a result of his students' extensive accomplishments. Based in part on his students' numerous accomplishments and his own stellar record as a welding instructor, Mr. Russell was recently awarded the Yosemite Regional Occupation Program (YROP) Teacher of the Year award from Stanislaus County Office of Education. ROP is a program designed to prepare students for a career by providing a wide variety of specialized career education programs for high school students. The goal is for students to develop marketable skills, abilities, attitudes and work habits so that they can secure jobs, upgrade skills, and prepare for advanced careers. For the past five years, Mr. Russell has served as the Department Chair of the THS Agriculture Department and has overseen its expansion to five teachers. He has been instrumental in helping to secure University of California approval for many of the agriculture courses at THS, allowing students to participate in a Career Technical Education program while maintaining four-year college eligibility. Mr. Russell's long-term plans are to pursue a Master's in Agriculture and continue to build the THS Agriculture Department into one of the premiere programs in the State. With his outstanding commitment to THS students and passion for Agriculture, it is only a matter of time before this dream becomes a reality. Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending Chad Russell for his hard work and dedicated service at Turlock High School, and congratulating him upon receiving the California State Fair ``Instructor Sweepstakes Award'' not once but five times.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Monica Nino, former Stanislaus County Chief Executive Officer, and to thank her for her leadership and dedication to the citizens of Stanislaus County. After 25 years of devoted service to Stanislaus County, she is now San Joaquin County's new Chief Executive Officer. In her short 18 months as CEO for Stanislaus County, Nino proved herself a very competent executive, providing the thorough information needed for the five elected supervisors to make good decisions, especially on budget matters. Ms. Nino was born and raised in Stanislaus County. She earned her Associate's degree from Modesto Junior College, her Bachelor's degree in Accounting from California State University, Fresno and her Master's degree in Public Administration from California State University, Stanislaus. In 1988, Monica started as an accountant in the Stanislaus County's Auditor-Controller's Office. She joined the executive office in 1991. She helped oversee the budget during heavy cuts to deal with reduced income resulting from the housing crash of the past half-decade and related economic woes. Ms. Nino was appointed Stanislaus County Chief Executive Officer in January 2012. Prior to her appointment as CEO for Stanislaus County, she had held the position of Assistant Executive Officer with Stanislaus County since 2005. Nino is the first woman and first Latina to hold the permanent post. As Chief Executive Officer with Stanislaus County, under the direction of the Board of Supervisors, Ms. Nino oversaw all aspects of Stanislaus County government, which included 26 County departments, an operating budget of $891 million, and over 3,700 employees. Ms. Nino also sat on the Stanislaus County Animal Services Agency, Joint Powers Agency, Stanislaus Regional 911, and Doctors Medical Center Governing Board. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Monica Nino, former Stanislaus County Chief Executive Officer, for her numerous years of selfless service to the betterment of our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor William ``Bill'' Bassin, President and CEO of the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance on his retirement and to thank him for his dedicated, life-long spirit of community service. Bill Bassitt holds a Bachelor's Degree from Xavier University and a Master's Degree from Bowling Green State University. He has also completed course work in economic development at the University of Oklahoma and was a graduate of the U.S. Chamber's Institute for Organizational Management from the University of Delaware, as well as the Center for Creative Management. He is a member of numerous professional organizations and has been the keynote speaker at many local, state, regional, and national conferences. Since 2002, Mr. Bassitt has held the position of President and CEO of the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance. As CEO, Bill Bassitt conducted three private sector fundraising campaigns to provide private sector funding to support the operations of the Alliance. Under his direction, the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance has been successful in bringing public and private sector leaders together to breed change, address systemic issues and market Stanislaus County as a place to do business. With 28 years experience in the Chamber of Commerce and economic development management in four states, Bill Bassitt has had an exceptional impact on the community. His career includes several years in the international business arena, working in over 24 countries, covering four continents, developing reciprocal trade agreements and seeking to bring direct foreign investment and corporate operations to the United States. Bassitt previously served as Senior Vice President of the Detroit Regional Chamber and Executive Director of the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership, where he built a large regional organization. In addition, he led numerous highly successful marketing missions involving complex interaction and negotiations with international business and government leaders. Adding to his list of accomplishments is the development and marketing of several business parks. After working for over 30 years in economic development in 25 countries and on four continents, and leading six separate economic development organizations, Bill Bassitt and his wife Nancy, will relocate to their home in Ohio. Married for 45 years, they have four children and 7 grandchildren, which they look forward to spending more time with in the coming years. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Alliance CEO Bill Bassitt on his retirement and in thanking him for his exemplary leadership and service to the community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate John C. Kimball High School Principal Dr. Cheryl Domenichelli, upon being named the Association of California School Administrators' 2012 Secondary Principal of the Year. This award is a tribute to Dr. Domenichelli's professional accomplishments in the field of education, especially since the recognition is from her peers. Dr. Cheryl Alexander Domenichelli was born on September 26 in San Francisco, California. She obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design, from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California. She continued her education by earning her Teaching Credential with and emphasis in Art and Introductory Science and Secondary Education and Teaching at California State University, East Bay and a Masters of Education, Educational Leadership and Administration at Saint Mary's College of California. Finally, she completed her education with a Doctorate in Education, Educational Leadership at the University of California Berkeley. Dr. Domenichelli started her first job in 1978 at GTE Lenkurt in San Carlos, California. She began her teaching career in 1995 as a Teacher of Art and Sciences at Deer Valley High School in Antioch, California. She was a teacher until 2003, when she was named as Vice Principal. In 2008, she accepted the position of Principal at John C. Kimball High School in Tracy, California, where she continues today. Dr. Domenichelli has received numerous awards, including the Association of California School Administrators/State of California High School Principal of the Year 2012, the 2001-2002 Internet Institute Award from the National Semiconductor Corporation, and the 1994 Parent Teacher Association/Honorary Service Award. She is a proud member of the Association of California School Administrators, where she is a Regional Representative to the Equity, Achievement and Diversity for Success Committee. Dr. Domenichelli's memberships also include the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Phi Delta Kappa International, Contra Costa County Chapter 1072. In addition, she has served her community as a member of the following organizations: Parent Teacher Student Association/Principal; University of the Pacific, Beyond our Gates Advisory Board; Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated/Lifetime Associate; and Parent Teachers Association/Ways and Means Committee Chair 1994. Cheryl has been married to her husband of 29 years, Ronald Domenichelli and they have two beautiful daughters Angelica Dominique Domenichelli and Vanessa Marie Domenichelli. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dr. Cheryl Domenichelli upon receiving the 2012 Secondary Principal of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators. This is an outstanding honor and one for which the community should be quite proud.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge August 11 through 17, 2013, as National Health Center Week. America's community health centers are at the core of our health care system; the nation's safety net, delivering accessible, high quality, cost effective primary and preventative care to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay. Health centers, located in medically underserved areas and locally- controlled by patient-majority boards, make each health center responsive to the needs of the individual community it serves. Currently, there are more than 1,200 health centers serving as health homes for more than 22 million individuals at more than 9,000 locations across the country. Health centers offer patient-focused, coordinated health care-- preventive and primary care that families and individuals need, where and when they need it. Health centers employ more than 9,500 physicians and more than 6,300 nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, social workers, case managers, and community health workers. These employees are part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team designed to treat the whole patient; coordinating care and managing chronic disease, at the same time reducing unnecessary, avoidable and wasteful use of health resources. The health home model that health centers use is at the forefront of pioneering and goes beyond primary medical care. They provide behavioral health and dental services, case management and enabling services to ensure care is provided in an efficient and timely manner. The health center model has proven to be an effective means of overcoming access barriers for the medically underserved. In doing so, health care outcomes are improved and health care costs are reduced. This unique model allows health centers to save the healthcare system approximately $24 billion annually by keeping patients out of costlier health care settings, such as emergency rooms. As locally owned and operated small businesses, health centers serve as critical economic engines helping to power local economies, particularly in times of recession. In these difficult economic times, health centers are economic drivers in their communities. In 2009 alone, health centers generated $20 billion in combined economic impact and were responsible for creating nearly 200,000 jobs in areas hit hardest by the recession. This year, over 400 communities nationwide submitted applications seeking a health center with only 25 new centers anticipated, demonstrating an overwhelming demand for access to comprehensive primary care across the nation. Health centers are expected to become the health care home for many new patients, but the demand for health centers continues to outpace growth, considering many existing health centers are already at capacity. Health centers are committed to expanding and meeting the needs of the communities they serve in order to grow their reach to more individuals who lack regular access to a health care home. National Health Center Week offers the opportunity to recognize America's health centers, their staff, board members, and all those responsible for the continued success and growth of the program since its creation almost 50 years ago. During this National Health Center Week, we recognize the multitude of ways in which America's Health Centers transform care in local communities by delivering comprehensive, high quality, cost effective, and accessible health care. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the community health centers in recognizing August 11 through 17, 2013 at National Health Center Week. I encourage everyone to visit their local health center and celebrate the important partnership between America's Health Centers and the communities they serve.