Jeff Denham

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 46 and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. The rule we have before us today allows for an open process and provides this body the opportunity to debate an issue of increasing importance to our constituents back home. The future of our energy policy in this country is at stake here today, which is why I'm proud to cosponsor this bill reversing the President's offshore drilling moratorium. This past weekend, I visited with a number of constituents at gas stations throughout my district. Some are asking, Will we get to $5 gas prices? If you come to my district, we're already there. I visited Wawona, California, last week. Everybody likes to talk about tourism. In California, we've got a great deal of tourism. But everybody that I talked to at that pump said, We planned this trip quite a while ago. We can't afford to do it today. We wouldn't have done it had we known gas prices would have been this high. Well, gas prices are still going up. We're afraid that in Wawona, we'll see $6 gas prices. You want to affect tourism, try hitting America's pocketbook at $6 a gallon. But it's not just tourism. If you go to one of the farms in my district, diesel gas has gone up. If you are frustrated about paying higher gas prices, wait until you pay higher grocery prices, because in California's great ag economy, the prices are going up. In fact, some crops are going to stay in the field this year just because we can't afford the gas to bring them to market. Parents are feeling the same thing. You know, as I'm going to swim practice over the weekend, talking to parents, they are frustrated about just being able to get their kids to school every day. You think this bill won't do something for gas prices? It's common sense to know if we've got a greater supply here in our great Nation, gas prices are going to go down. We want American jobs. We want to be self-reliant. We talk about veterans here on this floor. I am a veteran. I served my country. I don't want to be reliant on foreign oil anymore.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Anne Marie Bergen of Oakdale, California. Ms. Bergen was selected to receive the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She has made outstanding contributions to the teaching and learning of mathematics and science. Ms. Bergen has spent 24 years teaching in Oakdale and has played an influential source in improving the education for students in Stanislaus County. She has served as the Gifted and Talented Teacher and Coordinator, Science Mentor, Science Olympiad Coach and District Science Fair Coordinator. As the District Science Teacher, she developed and created a laboratory and field-based science program. This program has helped to educate 2,000 students and train 120 teachers annually. Since 2009, Ms. Bergen has served as the chair of CalTAC, a STEM teaching advisory council. Currently, Ms. Bergen is a Teacher in Residence at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in the Biological Sciences Department. She works to train Liberal Studies undergraduate students, seeking to become K-12 teachers, on how to effectively instruct science classes and laboratory experiments. Additionally she is working to reshape the curriculum in several courses targeted to future classroom teachers. Ms. Bergen's teaching philosophy is ``Active Learning, Meaningful Experiences, and Compassionate Teaching.'' The unique teaching style Ms. Bergen uses the natural connection students have with experiential learning and has incorporated it into successful education programs. Through using hikes, nature and the outside world, she has created an effective curriculum that has led her students to excel in the areas of science and mathematics. Additionally, Ms. Bergen actively works to share her successful educational methods so that other teachers can effectively teach their students using her experiential learning model. It is without question that Ms. Bergen is compassionate and dedicated to providing quality education for our youth. In addition to receiving the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence, Ms. Bergen has been a recipient of many awards for her dedication to teaching. These awards include the Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence in 2006, Stanislaus County Teacher of the Year in 2002 and Woman of Distinction in Education by Soroptimist International in 2002 and 2003. Additionally she was awarded the distinguished California Teacher of the Year Award in 2003. I encourage my colleagues to join me in honoring Anne Marie Bergen on receiving the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life and legacy of Leslie (Les) Harold Hayes--publisher emeritus of The Madera Tribune. Les was born in 1928 in Emporia, Kansas. After working his way through school, Les enrolled in Emporia College where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business with a minor in English and Journalism. In 1955 he received an offer from the Merced Sun Star, moved to California, and spent the next few decades climbing from typesetter to publisher while working at a series of papers around the Valley. In 1995 Les retired only to be asked to return in 1998. When not busy reporting the news, Les actively engaged himself in the community: he was a member of the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, and the Madera County Historical Society. In 2006, Les received the Madera Chamber of Commerce ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' for his contributions to life in the county. On April 6, 2011, at the age of 82, Les passed away. He leaves behind his wife, Chris, and five children. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Les Hayes and his many contributions. May we keep him and those he left behind in our hearts and prayers.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again acknowledge and honor a University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law team that participated at the American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy 34th annual competition held April 7-9, 2011, at the U.S. District Courthouse for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago. The team of Caitlin Urie Christian, '11, Jill Larrabee, '12, and Leo Moniz, '12, advanced to the round of 16 and took ninth place. They also won the Best Brief Award; an outstanding accomplishment in its own right, considering over two hundred teams participated in the competition. The competition involved two issues this year: whether a pre- enforcement challenge under the First Amendment is ripe for judicial review and whether a state statute, passed as a means to tackle a crystal methamphetamine epidemic, is constitutional under the Supreme Court's commercial speech jurisprudence. They were coached by Professors Ed Telfeyan, '75, and Erich Shiners, '06, and assisted by Andrea Dupray, '11, a member of the 2009-2010 Moot Court Honors Board. Previously the winners of a similar award in the San Francisco regional, this time the writing of Christian, Larrabee and Moniz faced an entire new battery of graders who read all 24 briefs for the finals in Chicago. To put the award in perspective, their work was judged the best out of 217 teams competing nationally. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the students and coaches from McGeorge School of Law on their outstanding performance at the 2011 regional competition in San Francisco and at the national finals in Chicago. I'm pleased to honor their hard work and dedication to the study of the law.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011. This legislation amends the Clean Water Act and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act ``FIFRA'', to clarify Congressional intent regarding the regulation of the use of pesticides in or near navigable waters. In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, promulgated a rule that codified EPA's longstanding interpretation that the application of pesticides for their intended purpose and in compliance with Pesticide label restrictions is not a discharge of a ``pollutant'' under the Clean Water Act, and therefore, a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit would not be required. However, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated this rule in National Cotton Council v. EPA. In this case the Court required the EPA to develop a new NPDES permitting process under the Clean Water Act for the purposes of pesticide use. The Court-ordered deadline for EPA to promulgate the new permitting process for pesticides is April 9, 2011. As a result of this court decision, EPA estimates that approximately 365,000 pesticide users, including state agencies, cities, counties, mosquito control districts, water districts, pesticide applicators, farmers, ranchers, forest managers, scientists, and everyday citizens that perform 5.6 million pesticide applications annually will be affected, doubling the number of entities currently subject to NPDES permitting under the Clean Water Act. Once the court order goes into effect, pesticide users not covered by an NPDES permit will be subject to a fine of up to $37,500 per day per violation. In addition to the cost of compliance, pesticide users will be subject to an increased risk of litigation under the citizen suit provision of the Clean Water Act. The court ruling does not change any standards for pesticide regulation and provides no additional environmental or public health protection. It simply adds a layer of unnecessary and costly bureaucracy. This bill recognizes that pesticides are already regulated by the EPA under FIFRA and that any additional regulation would be burdensome and duplicative. I was proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation and support its passage through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Unfortunately, I was unavoidably detained during the floor vote on this bill and was unable to cast my official vote in support of the measure. If I were present at the time of the vote, I would have proudly cast an ``Aye'' vote because we cannot continue to subject the agricultural community to increasingly burdensome regulations. I am pleased that Congress was able to act on this bill and I look to the Senate for its expedited review and hope that the President will subsequently sign the measure into law. Our countries farmers deserve nothing less.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor two University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law teams that were named regional champions at the American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Competition held February 24-26, 2011, at the U.S. District Courthouse in San Francisco. Both will now advance to the National Appellate Advocacy Competition National Finals, Finals scheduled for April 7-9, 2011 in Chicago, IL. The team of Kim Bowman, '11, Conness Thompson, '11, and Jeremy Ehrlich, '12, defeated George Mason University in the final round. Bowman was named Best Oralist of the 96 competitors while Thompson took ninth in that category. The team, which went undefeated and was seeded No. 1 in the entire field at the end of the competition, was also recognized for the sixth best brief. The team of Caitlin Urie Christian, '11, Jill Larrabee, '12, and Leo Moniz, '12, defeated UC Hastings in the final round to earn its trip to the 32nd annual National Championship Finals. The team was honored with the Best Brief Award, and Leo Moniz was named the fourth-best oralist. Both teams were coached by Professors Ed Telfeyan, '75, and Erich Shiners, '06, and assisted by Andrea Dupray, '11, a member of the 2009- 2010 Moot Court Honors Board. ``This is the equivalent of a `Grand Slam,' '' said Telfeyan, director of the Moot Court Program. ``For McGeorge to send two teams to Chicago is fantastic, but to also get top brief, top oralist, and three of the top ten speaker awards is a remarkable, and perhaps, unprecedented achievement.'' The American Bar Association National Appellate Advocacy Competition is the largest law school moot court competition, with 207 teams competing in six regional events for 24 coveted invitations to the Finals. A team from UC Berkeley and a team from Baylor also advanced from the San Francisco regional. South Texas College of Law is the defending national champion. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the students and coaches from McGeorge School of Law on their outstanding performance at the 2011 regional competition in San Francisco and wishing them the best of luck in the Finals in April.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Lance Corcoran. Mr. Corcoran worked for the California Correctional Peace Officers Association and was an influential individual in California's state correctional system. He passed away on Sunday, February 27, 2011. Mr. Corcoran is survived by his wife Christine and his three sons, Ian, Michael and Dylan. Mr. Corcoran served as the Chief Communication Officer for the California Correctional Peace Officers Association. He worked for the statewide organization representing the 33,000 men and women who worked in the state's correctional facilities. For over twenty years, Mr. Corcoran served as a union officer for the California Department of Corrections. Starting out as a Correctional Officer at Susanville in 1986, he was quickly promoted due to his commitment to improving the California correctional facilities and the lives of his fellow Peace Officers. In 1994, Mr. Corcoran served as the President of the California Correctional Center Chapter within the California Correctional Peace Officers Association and also served on the Board of Directors. His leadership and determination not only made the California Correctional Peace Officer Association one of the largest and most prestigious law enforcement associations in the state but also made it highly influential. He continued to improve the Association by serving two terms as the Executive Vice President for the California Correctional Officers Association. Mr. Corcoran directed the legislative operation of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association as the Chief of Governmental Affairs in 2005 before taking on the position of Chief Communications Officer for the Association. Not only was Mr. Corcoran an advocate for the rights of Peace Officers but also for the families impacted by crime. Mr. Corcoran was an active member of the California Crime Victims Coalition and served on the advisory board for the Doris Tate Crime Victims Bureau. The passion of Mr. Corcoran to represent the California Correctional Peace Officers Association was unrelenting. He actively worked with determination to protect the rights of the men and women who worked for the California Department of Corrections. Few people have the passion and determination that Mr. Corcoran had. Mr. Corcoran always had a smile on his face and had an unparalleled sense of humor. He was not only an advocate for the Peace Officers, but was also their friend. He worked diligently and with compassion to ensure that all California Corrections Officers were treated fairly. Mr. Corcoran has left an influential impact on the California Correctional Peace Officers Association and on the State of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Lance Corcoran for his service and dedication to the California Department of Corrections and to the State of California. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Lance Corcoran.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life and legacy of William Theodore ``Bill'' Kirby. Off of Triangle Road in Mariposa County, CA, is Kirby Peak. The peak is named in honor of Bill's 1933 volunteer effort to save this land from a forest fire. As the firemen worked to contain the fire, their resupply line was stretched due to the tough terrain. Bill, a teenager at the time, volunteered to work with others in the pack crew. He led a mule train to the fire with much needed supplies for the firemen and assisted in the firefight. Like many in his generation, Bill came when called to serve the war effort. He spent World War II aboard the SS Marcus Daly--a merchant marine ship. The Daly was not only one of the first ships into the Philippines, but also received the Merchant Marine Gallant Ship Citation Ribbon. Bill himself received a personal citation for his bravery after the Daly was attacked. Following the war Bill returned to Merced and founded, along with his father and brother, Kirby Manufacturing, a maker of farm machinery and equipment. Kirby Manufacturing has expanded into a global producer and was the first American manufacturer to sell farm equipment to China following normalization. Kirby equipment is also used to load and maintain Air Force One. Even while running a multinational manufacturer, Bill found a way to be a pillar of our community. He was a Scoutmaster, an Elk, and a Mason. He served as President of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, the Merced County Fair Board, and the Merced County Historical Society. As a testament to his influence, every year people around the community participate in ``The Bill Kirby Annual Historical Society BBQ.'' Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Bill Kirby and his many contributions to California and the Nation. May we keep him and those he left behind in our hearts and prayers.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Bruce Taylor for receiving a Citizen of the Year Award from the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce for his contributions to community organizations last year. Bruce, the founder and CEO of Taylor Farms based in Salinas, contributed to many causes in the Salinas Valley and nationwide, including the Boys & Girls Club of Monterey, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, the National Steinbeck Center, and local high schools. Bruce Taylor is a third generation member of one of the most innovative lettuce grower and producer families in the country. Taylor's father, Ted, successfully implemented novel techniques to wrap and gas lettuce in order to give it a longer shelf life. In 1981, Taylor joined the newest family business, which he later named Fresh Express, and rose through the ranks quickly to become chairman in 1991 where he led the introduction of ``salad in a bag'' in grocery stores across the country. In 1994, he left to start Taylor Farms, which has become the world leader in the production of ready-made salad fixings for the restaurant industry. His new company, which produces fresh-cut vegetables and salads for large foodservice customers such as McDonald's, Subway, and Red Lobster, has $400 million in annual revenues through nine processing facilities in the United States and Australia. Lately, Mr. Taylor is repeating his history of renovating landmark business sites in Salinas. With Fresh Express, he helped convert an old Nestle's site into the company's main salad plant. For Taylor Farms, next up is a former Smucker's site. Taylor companies will shortly be operating about 600,000 square feet of commercial space in Salinas. In a time when California is facing high unemployment levels, it is good to see a leader such as Taylor investing in the community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Bruce Taylor on his reception of the Citizen of the Year Award from the Salinas Chamber of Commerce and wishing him the utmost success as he continues to serve his community and our Nation.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I originally planned on offering an amendment to cut the General Services Administration's budget to force it to sell unneeded Federal properties. My purpose was to get GSA's attention and compel it to stop wasting billions of dollars on Federal buildings we no longer need or barely use. However, through this colloquy, I hope our committees can make a commitment to work together and accomplish this same goal. Just last week, I held my subcommittee's first hearing in a freezing cold, vacant Federal building on Pennsylvania Avenue. The building sits on one of the most famous streets in America, within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Yet it has been empty for over a decade and loses over $6 million in taxpayer money each year. I am sad to say there are buildings like this across the entire Nation. According to GAO, Federal agencies reported over 45,000 underutilized buildings that cost $1.66 billion annually to operate and maintain. At GSA's current rate of disposal, it will take over 800 years to get rid of excess and surplus properties. Our Nation is facing financial distress, and this wasteful spending must stop. GSA needs to get serious about selling wasteful properties. To date, GSA has failed to provide my office with detailed information about the Federal Government's inventory of properties. Congress needs to see the list of properties so we can hold GSA's feet to the fire, sell wasteful properties and save taxpayer money. Madam Chairman, I would greatly appreciate your commitment to work with our committee on the following items: To compel GSA to provide detailed property lists of unneeded or money-losing properties to our committees, as well as an inclusive list of the entire asset inventory under its jurisdiction; Second, to compel GSA to greatly increase the number of properties it sells or redevelops; And, third, to work with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a legislative initiative to consolidate Federal employees into fewer Federal buildings.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Madera County Supervisor Vern Moss on his retirement from the Madera County Board of Supervisors; and to thank him for his dedicated, life-long spirit of community service. Vern Moss was the first child of hard working parents who set an example Vern would adhere to his whole life. Vern grew up working in the fields picking cotton and cutting grapes. After graduating high school and briefly attending the College of the Sequoias, Vern enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1963. Vern served honorably in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army before his retirement in 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His military service included a tour in Vietnam as the Executive Officer of the MACV 16, and an assignment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. For his service, he has received countless honors, including a Bronze Star. During his military service, he earned a Bachelors and a Masters Degree. In addition to a long and successful career in the banking industry, Vern has participated actively in his community. He served twice as the Mayor of Chowchilla, as well as President of the Chowchilla Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. The Chowchilla Chamber of Commerce has named him Citizen of the Year and Business Person of the Year. During his three terms as a member of the Madera County Board of Supervisors, Vern committed his time to various commissions and projects aimed at improving the life and welfare of Madera County citizens. While his retirement is well-deserved, his dedicated leadership on the Board of Supervisors will be missed. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Madera County Supervisor Vern Moss on his retirement and wishing him the best of luck and health as he moves on from this role.

Mr. DENHAM

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

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 188.

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 188) to designate the United States courthouse under construction at 98 West First Street, Yuma, Arizona, as the ``John M. Roll United States Courthouse''.

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert).

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, Senate bill 188 would designate the Federal courthouse currently under construction in Yuma, Arizona, as the John M. Roll United States Courthouse. On January 8, our Nation suffered a horrendous tragedy. One of our colleagues, the gentlewoman from California, Representative Giffords, was carrying out her duties meeting with her constituents in Tucson, Arizona, when a gunman shot 19 people, killing six. Among those killed that day was Judge John Roll, who was simply stopping by on his way back from attending Mass to say hi to his Congresswoman. Judge Roll was chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and was first appointed to the Federal bench by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. His commitment to serving the public predated his appointment to Federal court. For nearly 40 years, he dedicated his life to public service and the law. Before becoming a Federal judge, Judge Roll was a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals, serving as presiding judge and vice-chief judge. Earlier in his career, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. He also served the citizens of Arizona at the local level, first as a Tucson assistant attorney and later as the deputy county attorney in Pima County. It is fitting to honor Judge Roll in this way, given his reputation as a respected jurist and his service to the law. Although we are honoring the life of Judge Roll through naming a Federal courthouse after him, we must also honor and remember the others who were killed and wounded that tragic day. Among those killed was one of Representative Giffords' staff members, a pastor, a secretary, a homemaker, a grandmother, and a 9-year-old little girl who had just been elected to her student council; each of them simply going that day to meet their Congressman, never thinking their lives would be in danger. And in this tragedy, we must not forget the heroes, those who took action, risking their own lives, stopping the gunman and preventing more deaths and injuries. Our prayers continue to be with Congresswoman Giffords, the others who were wounded and the families of all the victims. In honoring Judge Roll by passing this legislation, it is important that we do not forget that all the victims that day should be honored and remembered. I support passage of this legislation and urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Quayle).

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar). (Mr. GOSAR asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of our Nation's greatest leaders, President Ronald Reagan. And Congressman Gallegly, you truly are privileged to live so close to Ronald Reagan, in the area, as well as to his library. This past weekend, on his 100th birthday, Americans in Simi Valley and across the country remembered President Reagan's legacy not only as Governor of California but as the 40th President of the United States. In tough times, President Reagan was a true leader who inspired millions of Americans with a bold vision to return greatness to our country. While focusing on shrinking the size of the Federal Government, reducing taxes, and growing our economy, he played an influential role in unifying a divided Europe and spreading the principles of democracy across the world. A true believer in liberty and freedom and limited government, President Reagan taught us important lessons and led with a conviction that continues to encourage us today in the 112th Congress. President Reagan will always be remembered and celebrated not only by Californians but by individuals worldwide.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and accomplishments of General Vang Pao. General Pao passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2011, and today marks the sixth and final day of the Hmong spiritual practices which are traditionally conducted by the Hmong community after the passing of an individual. I stand here today to support the internment of General Vang Pao in Arlington National Cemetery. The accomplishments and service that General Vang Pao has given to the United States are not only numerous, but are everlasting. Not only was General Vang Pao determined to protect his country, but he served to protect the lives of American soldiers. He fought to cut off the Ho Chi Minh Trail so that supplies could not be utilized to fuel the enemy's war efforts. He provided aid and support to downed American pilots, in addition to defending American outposts. The leadership of General Vang Pao helped save thousands of U.S. servicemembers' lives and was an influential force during the Vietnam War. The dedication and service of the general not only earned him the title of Lord Protector of the country, but has also made him a hero in both the Hmong community and the United States of America.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of Major General Vang Pao. General Pao served in the Royal Lao Army and fought alongside the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam war. He passed away Thursday, January 6th, 2011. General Pao was born December 8, 1929 in the Xiangkhuang Province of northeastern Laos. He worked as a farmer in Laos until Japanese forces occupied the region as part of the French Indo-China War. During the conflict he fought alongside fellow Laotians to protect his country against the Japanese invasion. Following the war, Vang Pao continued to serve in the army of the Kingdom of Laos under the King of Laos. General Pao received the honored title of Phagna Norapramok, roughly translated as ``Lord Protector of the Country'' from the last King of Laos, King Savang Vatthana. During the 1960s and 1970s, General Pao led the Secret Army, during the Secret War, where they fought against the Pathlet Lao and the People's Army of Vietnam to prevent the spread of communism into Southeast Asia. General Pao commanded the Military Region Two where he successfully fought to prevent the capture of this region by the communist forces of the North Vietnamese Army. Additionally, he was an ally of the Central Intelligence Agency and organized 39,000 guerrilla warriors to aid downed American pilots and defend American outposts from the enemy. After the war, General Pao emigrated to the United States in May of 1975. He actively worked to ensure the resettlement of hundreds of thousands of Hmong and Lao immigrants in America and to ensure equal rights for them. Additionally he worked to help facilitate U.S.-Lao relationships and helped the Hmong community embrace their new identity as Hmong-Americans. General Vang Pao dedicated his life to fight for freedom and democratic rights for all Southeast Asians. He relentlessly worked to improve the Hmong community and the world around him. General Vang Pao's legacy will not only be his leadership and accomplishments, but first and foremost, his service to his country and community. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor General Vang Pao for his service and dedication to the United States and the Hmong community. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring Major General Vang Pao.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of repealing the government takeover of health care forced through Congress without the input of the American people. This country is currently in the midst of a terrible recession and it's clear that shouldering America's small businesses with heavier tax burdens and increased regulation will only prolong our road to recovery. By mandating that small businesses and individuals carry government- approved health care, the Federal Government has dramatically overstepped the boundaries of personal freedom guaranteed by our Constitution. It infringes on the rights of the States by forcing new requirements upon them and penalizing them should they choose to opt out of the Federal mandate. The American people were misled. A government-run health care plan will limit access and choice, and millions of Americans will lose their coverage because of mandates from bureaucrats in Washington.