Mark DeSaulnier

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lofgren), the distinguished chair of the Committee on House Administration.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, in response to my friend from Georgia, I want to agree--and maybe we disagree a little bit. I do think this is important. I think it is the unusual circumstance, and a lot of things that we have no direct control over have brought us to this circumstance. Social media and the use of social media in our elections is relatively new, coming from the Bay area where so much of the genesis happened. So I think it is important, and I do think there is lacking--and hyperbole is something that sometimes doesn't happen in this Chamber, but I think it is not a hyperbole to say that the U.S. House of Representatives, hopefully, unanimously says that the law should be followed to its letter. So I think we agree, and I don't want to look for a way to disagree. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Woodall), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend for pointing out that I am not a poker, that I might actually be trying to be thoughtful. Maybe it is because I was once registered as a Republican. I don't regularly admit that sometimes, at least not in my district. But I do think this conversation is important on multiple levels, and I appreciate the fact that the gentleman is here to present his side of the aisle's position. I think there is a danger here for us to resume to our corners, and this is an instance where I really think it is important--and, hopefully, it is newsworthy--to the media and to the general public that we are coming to this moment. Although it is a resolution, I still think it is significant without indulging in hyperbole. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter), my friend and a distinguished member of the Rules Committee.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, again, it is a pleasure to see you up there. And to my friend from Georgia, in his long, illustrious public career, I want to thank him for his comity here today. I can't help but think so many Americans now and people who are filled with adrenaline and hyperbole talk about what a difficult time this is, and I wouldn't underestimate the challenges ahead of us; but, arguably, a more difficult time, I was thinking of Mr. Lincoln's comments about appealing to the better angels of our nature, and perhaps this is a turning point. Certainly we will be tested, and we will fail on occasion, but to my friend, for whatever time both of us have left here, I would like to personally say to the degree we can find things that are of interest to your district and my district, they are of interest to the United States, and I would love to work with the gentleman to find those things. Lastly, I just can't help but comment on my observation about providential Americans in history. I was reading about Mr. Mueller and his comments when he was FBI Director in the context of his amazing life and career as a combat veteran, a Bronze Star winner in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. I think of my own father who was a devoted Marine Corps combat veteran who is buried in Arlington. My dad and all marines, although I was not one, liked to always recite ``Semper Fidelis.'' The special counsel, in his comments when he was FBI Director, assures me that the work he does in ways that I find profound, talked about fidelity as he talked to his agents, that the fidelity to this Constitution, to this country, and to the truth will find us true to the path that we want to take and to success as we look for the better angels of our nature. Mr. Speaker, this is a simple vote but an important vote. We need to get to the bottom of what happened and put faith in the special counsel's findings and put faith in the American public and the people that they can devise their own truth when we give them this investigation's report. Mr. Speaker, you either believe the public and Congress should see the report or you don't. Fortunately, it looks like we are agreed that they should. We owe it to our constituents, the American people, and future generations to do the right thing always, but today, I think, in particular, to support the release of this report. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and a ``yes'' vote on the previous question. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Vermont.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with Congressman Jerry McNerney to pay tribute to Dale Cook and recognize his service to our country. Dale was born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. After enlisting in the Marine Corps as a high school senior in 1944, Dale was assigned to the 4th Marine Division on Maui. Seventy-four years ago, Dale was one of the few surviving Marines who invaded Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. He was wounded by an enemy grenade and evacuated to Guam where he joined the first of his many Veterans organizations, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). After returning to the United States, Dale was recruited by the Atomic Energy Commission as a regional public information officer and later moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he spent the rest of his career and retirement. He joined the Army Reserve as the Chief Public Information Officer of the 6th Army command at the Presidio of San Francisco, while continuing his involvement in veterans organizations. Dale continued to serve his community by leading an annual commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima for many years, first at the Golden Gate National Cemetery and later at the Marines Memorial Club in San Francisco. He also volunteered as a Boy Scout troop leader and mentored many Eagle Scouts. A proud Marine, he started raising English Bulldogs, the military branch's mascot. Dale will be sincerely missed by his family, the veteran community, and all those who had the great pleasure of knowing him. He will be remembered for his service to and love for his country.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Douglas Corbin for his dedication and service in the Bay Area. Born in Rochester, New York, Douglas attended St. Lawrence University before receiving a law degree from George Washington University. After working as a patent attorney in Washington, D.C., his work brought him to San Francisco. In San Francisco, Douglas became involved in local politics and eventually transitioned to public defense. In his new role, Douglas defended the Bay Area's LGBT community from harassment and submitted bids on houses on behalf of African American families who had seen their own bids unfairly rejected. After meeting his wife Rosemary, the couple moved to Richmond where Douglas was named Contra Costa County's first Juvenile Court Referee. In addition to this new role, Douglas co-chaired the effort to designate Pt. Pinole as a regional park. His wife Rosemary also went on to be the first woman elected to serve as Mayor of Richmond. In his retirement and between excursions to Spain and Mexico, Douglas continued to be active in the East Bay community. He served for decades as a board member and chairman for the Early Childhood Mental Health Program, as well as a supervisor for the development of town homes in Richmond by Habitat for Humanity. Douglas will long be remembered for his knowledge, spirit, and commitment to the Richmond community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Mary Alice O'Connor, a longtime resident of the Bay Area. Born in January 1943 to an Irish Catholic family , Mary Alice grew up in Chicago, Illinois. In 1968, she headed to the West Coast and eventually settled in the Bay Area. While raising three children, Mary Alice worked in her family's printing business and later for a telephone company. Mary Alice was always passionate about philosophy and spiritualism. In 1991, she pursued her goal of bringing peace, joy, and compassion to the world by becoming an ordained Unity minister. She served the community through ceremonies for weddings, memorials, blessings, and other events. Mary Alice also taught inherent beauty and self- expression through spiritual rehabilitation sessions, working to promote physical and spiritual healing. In the early 2000s, Mary Alice became the Executive Director of the Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center in Walnut Creek, CA. During her leadership, the peace center became an engaged and energetic community partner. Mary Alice passed away on December 3, 2018. She is survived by her sister Margaret O'Connor; her children Glory Marshall, Sikwaya Condon, and Shasta Lockwood; and her grandchildren Chavez Li Condon, Moses Lockwood, and Jacob Lockwood; her former husband Pat Condon, and her partner Willard Davis. Mary Alice O'Connor will be remembered by me and the Contra Costa community for dedication to peace and harmony in Contra Costa and around the world.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patricia Tanquary for her dedicated and passionate service to our community. Patricia has a Masters in social work from San Diego State University and both a Masters in public health administration and a Doctorate in social welfare from University of California, Berkeley. Before working for Contra Costa County, Patricia was employed at Kaiser Permanente for 18 years, holding positions such as Director of Member Services, Hospital and Health Plan Administrator, Continuing Care Leader, and Director of National Provider Contracting. In 2007, Patricia was named the Chief Executive Officer of the Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP). Over the past 11 years, Patricia managed an innovative and complex plan that became one of the original Covered California Health Plans. Her time as CEO is characterized by her partnerships and her commitment to serving low-income and vulnerable populations. Through her work, CCHP added over 7,200 contracts with local providers to meet the demand of an expanding membership. She also managed a strong relationship with County Mental Health to administer effective mental health care. Under her leadership, CCHP also provided one of the first Special Needs Plans for seniors and persons with disabilities and worked with the Contra Costa Regional Medical Center to create a Center of Excellence for Autism diagnoses. Patricia's leadership as CEO of the Contra Costa Health Plan will be truly missed. Patricia has left a positive impact on Contra Costa County's health care system, its patients, and the community at large. I am thankful for Patricia's service and I wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Ed Stokes for his generosity, friendliness, and legacy in our community. Ed was born in South Carolina in 1922 and was raised in North Carolina. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, he attended the University of California, Berkeley. From his time as a young adolescent in high school to his years in university, Ed worked at local grocery stores to support his family. In 1968, Ed founded Diablo Foods in Lafayette and quickly became a beloved figure in the city's community. Under the motto ``good service, fairness, quality, and friendliness know no compromise,'' Ed ensured that Diablo Foods was a welcoming place for local residents. An important member of his community, Ed was awarded Lafayette's Citizen of the Year and Business Person of the Year--twice. He was also the recipient of the Su Stauffer Acalanes Friend of Education Award, a Marine Corps League Award, the Humanitarian Award by the Soroptimist Club, and the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Lafayette Rotary. Ed's commitment to public service extended to his work for the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Town Hall Theatre. Ed will be sincerely missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him, and will be remembered for his endless service to and love for his community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Duane Chapman, a longtime resident of Richmond, CA. Duane was a dedicated volunteer for the Richmond Police Department and a passionate advocate for youth, the LGBTQ+ community, and our homeless population. Duane began his career of service as a nurse and homeless outreach specialist for Contra Costa County. It was in this role that he formed a deep partnership with the Richmond Police Department and decided to volunteer his time working on crime prevention and raising community awareness of the realities of police work. Duane demonstrated his passion for serving others through his leadership and participation in important community boards and programs. He served as Chair of both the Human Relations Commission and the Contra Costa County Mental Health Commission. Duane also participated in the Road to the Future Foster Care Youth Conference and the Richmond Police Activities League Scholarship Program. In addition, Duane was a tireless advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In 2014, he co-founded the Richmond Rainbow Pride, an organization that encouraged its members to advocate for the interest of their community and to promote their visibility in Richmond. With his passing, Duane leaves behind a legacy as an ally for marginalized communities.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of long-time community leader, Minister Howard J. Wooling. Minister Wooling received his Bachelor's degree in 1965 from Eastern Nazarene College where he majored in psychology, anthropology, and sociology. In 1967, he received his Master's degree from Boston College where he specialized in teaching the blind to walk with a cane. By 1972, Minister Wooling had his Master's of Public Health degree in Hospital Administration from U.C. Berkeley's School of Public Health. Minister Wooling was baptized by Grover Wilson in 1968. From 1969 to 1976, he was the Assistant Minister for the Laurel Street Church of Christ. Minister Wooling was then the Assistant Minster at the Fremont Church of Christ before becoming a Minister at the Southside Church of Christ in Richmond in 1985, where he has continued to serve and strengthen our community to this day. Minister Wooling has also served in various hospital administration roles, including as the Associate Director at both Highland Hospital and Stanford University Hospital, and as a group counselor at the County of San Mateo Juvenile Hall. In his capacity as a congregation leader, Minister Wooling led at least nine missionary groups to Nigeria, and several more to Cameroon and Panama. A part of Minister Wooling's legacy will be his guidance of at least four great preachers working today. Minister Wooling and his wife, Ernestine, have four children: Renee, Collette, Valerie, and Anthony. Please join me in congratulating Minster Howard J. Wooling on a life full of love, faith, and dedicated service, and in wishing him great luck and joy in retirement.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Angie Coffee as the East Bay Leadership Council's 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. She was given this honor in recognition of her dedication as a volunteer, community leader, mentor, and philanthropist. Angie is a cancer survivor who shared her story of survivorship and strength, and who I was honored to have as a guest speaking at our Biden Cancer Summits. In addition to sharing her experience, she works to promote the well-being of our community, the health of our environment, the education of our children, and the technological innovations of our society. Her love for our community and for the arts is exemplified by her founding the Lesher Center for the Arts--a live theatre venue in our community. Angie has chaired the Board of Special Olympics: Northern California, served as President of the Board of East Bay Leadership Council, and was a member of the De La Salle High School Board of Trustees, the Diablo Regional Arts Association, and the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce. Her recent volunteer efforts include the Contra Costa Family Justice Center and the John Muir Health Advisory Board. I congratulate Angie for this well-deserved lifetime achievement award, and thank her for her work serving our community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with Congressman Mike Thompson to recognize Tom Torlakson for his dedicated and passionate service to our community. A recipient of the Merchant Marine Service Medal, Tom began his life- long commitment to service as a fireman in assignments such as Guam, Vietnam, and Thailand. After his service, Tom attended the University of California Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Life Secondary Teaching Credential, and a Master of Arts in Education. Tom has served as a teacher for the Mount Diablo Unified School District, a councilman for the City of Antioch, a county supervisor for Contra Costa County, and as a legislator in both the California State Senate and State Assembly. During his tenure in the California State Legislature, Tom fought to increase funding for education, implement school nutrition programs and physical education, and improve school safety. He also led the charge for making the California public school system more inclusive by eliminating the achievement gap, reducing the dropout rate, and funding afterschool programs. As the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom brought his experience and drive to the California Department of Education where he continued his vow to improve our state's public education system. During his two terms, Tom set new standards for testing student achievement, expanded programs that meet the needs of children outside of the regular school day, and oversaw a record high school graduation rate. Tom is also the chair and founder of the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness, where he has continued to promote healthier meals and physical activity for students. Tom Torlakson has left a positive impact on the California public school system and its students, and the community at large. While his leadership and enthusiasm will be dearly missed in his official capacity, he will surely continue to contribute to California. I join with Congressman Mike Thompson in thanking Tom for his service to our County, our state, and our students, and wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to vote on Monday, December 10, 2018, as I was attending an important event in Contra Costa, California. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 426, H. Res. 792 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 427, H.R. 3008.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Native American Heritage Month, I rise today to recognize Susan ``Sue'' Reynolds, a fine art and documentary photographer and long-time resident of Walnut Creek, for her work promoting Native American traditions and culture. Sue was born and raised in Northern California, and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of California, Davis. While attending UC Davis, Sue worked with the Oakland Museum's curator for prints and photography. Through her work with the museum, she was introduced to and inspired by pioneering female documentary photographers such as Dorothea Lange. In 2005, she began photographing Native American ceremonies at reservations throughout the western states, and went on to publish a book, Still Here: Not Living in Tipis. Sue's book features many of her photographs of tribal ceremonies that capture the traditions of Native American communities. Following the publication of her book, Sue established Everyday Native, a collaborative teaching resource that focuses on building bridges of understanding between non-Native and Native American youth. Sue's talent for creating visual narratives of the Native American culture has helped to raise awareness of the challenges and prejudice faced by the community. This Native American Heritage Month, I commend Sue for her dedication and contributions to fostering a cultural sensitivity to Native Americans.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I regret that I was unable to vote on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, as I was attending an event recognizing the importance of cancer research and honoring cancer survivors. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 416, H.R. 6064 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 417, H.R. 2615.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Willis (Will) Casey. I join his family and friends in celebrating his life and service to our community. Will was born in San Francisco on December 13, 1937 to parents Willis and Jane Casey. After graduating from Riordan High School, he received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of San Francisco in 1959. He married Patricia M. Dwyer that same year and was happily married for 48 years until her death in 2007. Will served his country in the U.S. Army for two years before joining the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) for 30 years. After his retirement from the SFPD in 1992, he brought his experience and dedication to the Pittsburg Police Department as Police Chief. During that time, Will developed the department's leadership and encouraged community policing. After several years with the department, Will was hired as the city manager of Pittsburg and later was elected to the Pittsburg City Council. When he retired from the City Council in 2017, Will had completed almost 60 years of public service. Will passed away after a nine month battle with cancer on September 13, 2018. He is survived by his 4 children and their spouses, Shelia, Lorraine, Eileen (Doug), William (Allison), 10 grandchildren, and his sister Barbara. Will will be remembered for his dedication to protecting and serving the community he loved. He will be sincerely missed.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of a longtime Concord resident, Ms. Virginia ``Ginger'' Marsh. Ginger was born on October 27, 1937 in Phoenix, Arizona to parents Sarah and Wayne Downes. However, Ginger spent much of her young life in San Francisco where she attended Lincoln High School and later City College of San Francisco. In 1957, Ginger married her husband of over 55 years, James Marsh, and shortly thereafter moved to Concord where they started Marsh Drywall Contractors. Ginger spent much of her time serving the community. She helped out with local baseball league events and sold popsicles at a bus stop near her home for the Parent-Teacher Association at Loma Vista Intermediate. Her active role in the community led her to become a founding board member of the Monument Crisis Center and Shelter Incorporated, where she led the Holiday Adopt a Family Program. Ginger is survived by her brother Warren, her sons Rodney and Douglas, six grandchildren Audrey, Katlyn, Andrew, James, Wolf, and Moxie, and great grandchildren Reagan, Clark, Emmet, Kaden, and Charlotte. She will be sincerely missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her, and will be remembered for her endless service to the community.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of a longtime Pleasant Hill resident, Mr. Martin Nelis. Martin was born in Northern Ireland, and graduated with a degree in engineering from Queen's University, Belfast. He immigrated to the United States in 1989, and worked in the information technology field before working as a Congressional aide. During his free time, Martin was a soccer player, coach, and cyclist. He was also an avid outdoorsman and often went hiking in the Redwood forests. Martin enjoyed an active lifestyle and was always willing to take up a cause. In 2007, he began serving as a Public Information Officer for the City of Pleasant Hill, and was pivotal in supporting community development efforts. He assisted with coordinating the summer concert series and the local farmer's market. Martin also led efforts to raise funds for a new public library. He continued to play an active role in his community until his unexpected passing on August 2, 2018. Martin was preceded in death by his father Billy, and his brother Peter. He is survived by his seven siblings, Donncha, Liam, John, Patrick, Cathy, Declan and Frank, his 3 children whom he adored, Aidan, Fiona and Deirdre. Martin will be remembered for his service to the community, his sarcastic wit, and those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be sincerely missed.

Mr. DeSAULNIER

Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th Annual Labor to Labor Dinner to celebrate the activism and dedication of our labor leaders, and their contributions to making our community a fairer place to work. The annual labor dinner brings together members from different corners of our workforce to honor those who have demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to the interests of workers. American workers owe a debt of gratitude to labor unions. Without them, we may not have a 40-hour work week, paid sick leave, child labor laws, Social Security, a minimum wage, paid family leave, employer-based health coverage, or strong workplace safety laws. I am grateful that this annual labor dinner pays tribute to the contributions of our local workforce and their shared mission of promoting the rights of American workers. The hard work and sacrifice of union leaders to make all workers better off, not just union members, is commendable. I extend my appreciation to the Contra Costa AFL-CIO Labor Council and Building & Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO for hosting this event and for their advocacy for workers in our community. Congratulations on 20 years of this wonderful event.