Sam Farr

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Private First Class Royden L. ``Roy'' Diaz, who passed away on May 24th, 2013. Roy was the Salinas area's last Bataan Death March survivor and one of two remaining survivors from the 194th Tank Battalion. Of the 105-strong C Company, 194th Tank Battalion, only 47 men made it home alive. He and the other members of his unit are heroes and their great deeds should never be forgotten. Roy was born to Ben and Ida Diaz on October 23, 1916, in Monterey County, California. A graduate of Salinas High School, he spent a significant portion of his time working on his family's ranch in the Salinas Valley. Interested in earning a little extra money, Roy enlisted in 1936 in the California National Guard's 40th Divisional Tank Company, headquartered in Salinas. On February 2, 1941, Roy's tank company was activated for federal service and re-designated C Company, 194th Tank Battalion. After preparation and mobilization training, his unit was sent to the Philippine Islands on September 8, 1941. Two months later, the Japanese forces launched overwhelming attacks against the defenses of the Philippine Islands. After fierce fighting and bloody battles, tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. Roy and the other prisoners were forced to march for days in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. The Japanese guards chased off, bayoneted or shot any Filipino civilian who tried to give water or bits of food to the passing lines of prisoners. Those prisoners who fell-out were bayoneted, shot, or beaten to death. Thousands of soldiers died along the way. Others were wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces. Those who survived faced brutal hardships of the Japanese POW camps and, at one point, four hundred soldiers a day were dying. By the time Japan surrendered and the U.S. Army liberated the Bataan Prisoners of War, two-thirds of the American prisoners had died in Japanese custody. Miraculously, Roy survived. He survived hardships that few have ever seen and even fewer can even imagine. After the Japanese surrendered and the prisoners were recovered, Roy returned to Salinas, California, for a short while working as a salesman for Glazer Brothers and then at Spreckels Sugar Company, but eventually went back to his family's livelihood--farming at his Corral de Tierra ranch where his parents raised him. Roy loved life. He appreciated it more than most probably ever do. He loved hunting and fishing in the local area and in the Sierra Nevada area. He loved working in his garden and competed at the Monterey County Fair for his vegetable garden and sunflowers where he won many ribbons. He also loved dancing with his wife of 57 years, Lorraine and enjoyed their many trips to Reno, Nevada. He loved the California Rodeo where he met his wife at the Colmo Rodeo Parade. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues in the House of Representatives all join me in remembering one of the last Bataan Death March survivors, Roy Diaz, whose service to our country ensures that our American democracy and our freedoms remain as strong today as they were 70 years ago when Roy was a young Army soldier.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Chair, on Memorial Day, we remembered the patriotic sacrifice of those that have lost their lives in service to our country and today, we renew our commitment to keep our promise to our nation's more than 2 million troops and reservists, their families, 22.2 million veterans, and 35.5 million family members of living veterans or survivors of deceased veterans. This committee has a strong history of working in a bipartisan way to produce a bill that supports our active duty servicemembers, our veterans and their families, and this bill is no exception. I commend the Chairman and Ranking Member for their hard work in ensuring that this bill is another significant step in fulfilling the promise our country made to leave no veteran behind. For example, even though Congress has fully funded the VA budget request for additional staffing and technology, the disability claims backlog continues to grow. While the VA has taken steps to rectify this deplorable backlog, we owe it to our veterans to exercise our Congressional oversight responsibilities to ensure that the VA actually fixes the backlog. I am pleased the bill before us today includes language I requested, with some of my Northern CA colleagues, that would add additional oversight requirements for the Veterans Benefits Administration and require regular updates from the VA on of the status of the backlog. Through regular updates from the VA, we ensure accountability and end the backlog. Additionally, I am pleased to see that this bill again recognizes the burial needs of our veterans in rural areas. The National Cemetery Administration has repeatedly stated that 10% of all veterans will not have access to a burial option in a national, state or tribal cemetery within 75 miles of their home. While the VA strategy outlined in the FY13 budget request to extend burial services to some rural veterans is a good first step, it fails to address a long-term strategy. The FY13 bill and report instructed the VA to correct this oversight and the FY14 report language reaffirms the need for the VA to develop a long-term strategy to provide burial services for all our nation's veterans, including those who live in rural areas. Veterans in my congressional district do not have access to a VA burial option, so I look forward to the Secretary's report on the VA's long-term strategy to address their burial needs. I would note that while this bill is $1.4 billion above last year's enact level, it is also $1.4 billion less than the President's request. While I am glad to see this bill has been protected from senseless cuts imposed by sequestration, I strongly believe this Congress needs to get back to the balanced approach we agreed to in the bipartisan Budget Control Act.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Chair, I thank Ranking Member Bishop for that kind introduction. And, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for your leadership on this committee. I have been on this committee since I've been on the Committee on Appropriations, and I'm really excited about the ability for us to respond to the quality of life for people in uniform and their families. This is the committee that helps the families with housing, with health care, with child care, with the benefit packages that the military allows. It's very, very important because we also have the responsibility for the Department of Veterans Affairs. It's the only one-stop in an entire Congress, because the Senate has no comparable committee where both the responsibility of the Active Duty and the veterans are in one place. You know, in this country you can't be a veteran unless you've first been a member of the Department of Defense, so it's a continuum of care. If you add up the budgets of both the Defense Department and veterans and our military construction, it's the largest of all the budgets that the appropriations does, so it is important that we pay a lot of attention to detail. We have a lot of issues dealing with not only Active Duty military and their living conditions, but also conditions, serious conditions with veterans and the backlog that veterans have. I think we're on the road to solving that problem. California has the worst backlog in the office in Oakland, but the Secretary has been paying a lot of attention and putting a lot of technology into it. I want to commend the chair and the ranking member of this committee for the leadership they've provided in trying to solve it. I also want to commend, I think the Department of Defense has the best capital outlay program. It's called the FYDP. It stands for fiscal year improvement plan or something like that. What it does, all of the services, whenever they need anything constructed, they have to go in and compete against each other, and so it's on merit. Then the project with the most merit moves to the top of the list. We have been able to take care of that in a very responsible way.

Mr. FARR. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I have a very simple amendment. As most Members know, 19 States and the District of Colombia have enacted laws that provide for the legal access to medical marijuana. Two of those States provide access to marijuana for more than medicinal purposes. In checking out the rules within the VA on the matter of medical marijuana, it turns out that there is a policy in force, which is called Directive 2011-004, that specifically ``prohibits VA providers from completing forms seeking recommendations or opinions regarding a veteran's participation in a State marijuana program.'' My amendment denies the VA any funds to implement that prohibition, thus freeing up the VA doctors to assist VA patients in accessing medical marijuana outside of the VA system. All this amendment does is make it possible for the VA doctors to provide medical advice to the VA patients on the relative pros and cons of medical marijuana if they want to have that discussion. For those doctors who wish to offer recommendations to VA patients on accessing medical marijuana, they are no longer prohibited from doing so. Essentially, the VA order is a censorship in those 19 States and the District of Columbia saying that doctors can't even have this discussion, yet the civilians going to a civilian doctor can have that discussion. So what we're doing is removing the ability for the VA to enforce that provision thinking that that's fair. This is a very controversial, I know, issue of medical marijuana, but in those States that have made it the law of that State, then veterans ought to be treated equally with civilian patients in being able to have access to the total array of applicable medical devices, including the use of medical marijuana. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FARR. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate John Laird, a constituent of mine in Santa Cruz, California. Today, John is being hosted at the White House as one of the 10 persons to be presented the Harvey Milk Champions of Change award. John Laird is a committed public servant, counting 23 years in elective office and 40 years in public life overall. He also happens to be gay. John's years of leadership prove that people are people and they have myriad skills to share. Sexual orientation doesn't somehow change that desire to serve others. Currently, John serves as the California Secretary of Natural Resources where he does an outstanding job of overseeing the State's vast outdoor resources. Again, I say congratulations to Secretary John Laird for being true to himself and true to his public calling and all of us in the State of California being the ones who benefit from it.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Village Project for five years of exemplary service. Founded in 2008, the Village Project sought to fill the gap in mental health and family counseling services geared toward the African American community on the Monterey Peninsula in particular and the broader Monterey Bay Area as a whole. The Village Project was born from the efforts and love of many people. But it was Mel and Regina Mason who truly made it happen. They designed the project and spent countless hours in chasing down all the myriad of clinical, fiscal, administrative, and other details that turned the idea of the Village Project into a reality. Indeed, it is their love and dedication to the people of the Monterey Bay region that infuse every aspect of the Village Project and has made it such a success in its short history. The Village Project provides culturally-appropriate services to the African American population in order to address that community's unmet needs. While it focuses on African Americans, the Village Project is dedicated to providing services to anyone who needs them. It offers mental health counseling, a parenting program, several academic support groups for youth, as well as support for community-building. Mel Mason, who serves as the organization's executive director and primary counselor, ensures that the Village Project works in partnership with community organizations, schools, faith-based institutions, and other agencies to collectively support children and families of all cultures. It is a true measure of its broad base of support that the organization's board is a who's who of community leaders who see many of the goals of their own work realized in the efforts of the Village Project. Mr. Speaker, I know I speak for the whole House in congratulating the Village Project on its five year anniversary, expressing our gratitude for all of the good accomplished in that time, and our best wishes for the years of community service to come.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleague Rep. Jo Bonner to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week. From California's Central Coast to Alabama's Gulf Coast and every single Congressional district in between, travel and tourism plays an important economic role in all of our local communities. This week is National Travel and Tourism Week, a celebration of the $2 trillion economic engine that helps drive our nation's economy. As the co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Travel and Tourism caucus, we would like to take this moment to raise awareness for America's number one export and to explain how the ``Travel Effect'' benefits everyone. The Travel Effect is simple: It is the economic benefit that every single community feels thanks to travel. Supporting over 14.6 million American jobs, the travel industry is a top 10 employer in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Today, one in every eight jobs depends upon travel. Contributing more than $129 billion to the federal, state and local tax base, the Travel Effect means that Americans pay fewer taxes. Without those added revenues, the average household would pay over $1,000 in additional taxes. At 2.8% of our nation's GDP and growing at a rate faster than all other industries, travel will play an important role in driving down deficits for years to come. Thanks to our efforts here in Washington, the United States is now promoting the entire country as a premier travel destination to the world. Brand USA, the nation's Destination Marking Organization created by Congress, will help bring in 81 million visitors to the United States by 2016, a 36 percent increase equivalent to 21 million more travelers as compared with 2010. This influx of new visitors will help create over a half a million new jobs in communities all across the country. And you do not have to live in a coastal district or near a major tourist destination to feel the Travel Effect. Historic sites, museums in your community and other local destinations all play a role in building our travel economy. In other words, travel is right in your own backyard! During this year's National Travel and Tourism Week, we call on all members to support the travel industry. While the Travel Effect is great now, its potential is even greater. If we recognize that potential in all of our communities, then the Travel Effect will continue to benefit every town across the United States.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong opposition to the egregiously misnamed Working Families Flexibility Act. It should be named the Working Families Inflexibility Act. This bill takes all of the control and choice out of the hands of workers and hands it right over to employers! H.R. 1406 denies workers their earned overtime pay and deprives them of any promise of future compensation. It strips them of any guarantees of time off for personal or family emergencies. It would, however, guarantee them longer work hours and less control over their own schedules. H.R. 1406 would also mean a pay cut for the millions of workers who need cash overtime to help pay their housing, food, and medical bills. Middle-income and low-income workers living paycheck to paycheck are already struggling to make ends meet and have come to rely on their overtime pay. After all, time off does not pay the bills. The Fair Labor Standards Act and the 40-hour work week has been extremely successful for decades, why does the Majority want to change that other than to cater to employers and continue their war on the working American? Mr. Speaker, under the guise of family-friendly public policy, the Working Families Flexibility Act is simply another assault on workers' rights. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Gary B. Griggs, who is celebrating 45 years of expanding and sharing our understanding of the coastal and marine environment as a Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of California Santa Cruz. Dr. Gary B. Griggs is the Director of the University of California Santa Cruz Institute of Marine Sciences. A leader in the field of marine and coastal geology, his research is focused on the coastal zone and ranges from coastal evolution and development, through shoreline processes, coastal hazards and coastal engineering, and sea level rise. He is a talented interpreter of complicated coastal science and has a long track record of effectively translating his findings for policymakers. He has also been a champion of raising public awareness about these important issues across the Monterey Bay region and beyond. He has authored numerous academic and popular articles and books, including Living with the Changing California Coast and Then & Now: Santa Cruz Coast. Griggs joined the UCSC faculty in 1968. He has been Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences and Long Marine Laboratory since 1991. The Long Marine Lab is known throughout the marine research community for innovative marine mammal research in areas of nearshore invertebrate marine biology, ecology, and issues surrounding ocean health. As Director, he spearheaded the development of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory, an educational center organized around the understanding of marine science. For the last 13 years, the Seymour Center has offered innovative educational programs for community members of all ages including school, youth and college programs, teacher workshops, and an extensive range of visitor and member programs. In 2001, he led the launch of the Center for Ocean Health, a premier research facility for coastal conservation, policy, and research. The Center for Ocean Health has brought together some of the world's leading coastal and marine scientists, government and non-government coastal conservation and policy experts, and public education leaders. Their projects and partnerships are addressing a wide range of issues including complex coastal water science and policy issues, troubled sea otter populations in Alaska and California, and the socio-economic impacts of storms and sea level rise on coastal communities. In 2009, the California Coastal Commission named Gary Griggs as a California Coastal Heroes. He was recognized for his efforts to promote popular understanding of the California coast and for his leadership in the development of a major marine research and education center at Long Marine Laboratory. In 2010, Professor Griggs was elected as a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences, an international center for scientific education and research at the forefront of efforts to understand and protect the diversity of Earth's living things. Dr. Griggs has actively sought to break down silos between the academia and government. He has actively supported collaboration between marine scientists and decision-makers. The UC Santa Cruz marine campus at the edge of Monterey Bay physically embodies this collaborative approach and shares space with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Southwest Fisheries Science Center as well as with the State of California's Oiled Wildlife Veterinary Care and Research Center. Recently, his research projects have focused on documenting and understanding coastal erosion processes including temporal and spatial variations in rates of retreat; evaluating the effectiveness of coastal protection structures and the impacts of coastal engineering projects (seawalls, jetties, breakwaters) on coastal processes and beaches; evaluating beach processes and quantifying littoral cell budgets and human impacts on these budgets; impacts of extreme events such as El Ninos) on coastlines; the impacts of sea level rise on California's beaches and coastline; and coastal policies to reduce the impacts of hazards and sea level rise. Mr. Speaker, I once again want to thank Dr. Griggs for his leadership on ocean and coastal science and policy and recognize him for serving as an inspirational and accomplished leader for my community.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the National Day of Silence. Tomorrow is the 16th year we've commemorated the National Day of Silence, a time when students across the country remain silent for the whole day to draw attention to the discrimination toward their LGBT peers. The National Day of Silence is important for many reasons--to let our youth know they're not alone, that there are plenty of people ready to support them just the way they are. As my constituent, Heidi Dimas, a senior at Pajaro Valley High School puts it: The National Day of Silence is important to me because it is a day when you see all the support for the silent ones and that nobody is alone in anything. I'm proud of my constituents who are calling for a stop to harassment of LGBT individuals. I am particularly proud of my constituents in Watsonville and from the Pajaro Valley High School for hosting the 16th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards. Though many LGBT advocates and their allies are silent tomorrow, we in Congress must never be silent. It is our job to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Another of my constituents, Molly Schrank, from Alternative Family Education in Santa Cruz said it best: The National Day of Silence is important to me because sometimes silence speaks louder than words.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the First United Methodist Church of Pacific Grove on the 50th anniversary of the relocation of their campus from downtown to its current site at the corner of Sunset Drive and the historic Seventeen Mile Drive. In the early 1870s, a group of ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church in California began the search for a site to build a summer retreat. They found the perfect spot in the pine woods on the point of the Monterey Peninsula, and in 1875 the Pacific Grove Retreat Association was formed. Modeled after the popular Chautauqua program in New York, the Retreat attracted hundreds of campers every year. A hall was built to house the Chautauqua events and provide a place of worship. Lots were sold and a tent village emerged. The healthy climate and beautiful scenery attracted a year-round population and over time the tents were replaced with permanent homes. In 1888, the cornerstone was laid for a sanctuary and the following year Pacific Grove was incorporated as a town. The old church building was famous for its twin spires and lighted, revolving cross that could be seen for miles out to sea. Over the years, guest speakers included Presidents Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, and Theodore Roosevelt, as well as Susan B. Anthony, Georgia Harkness, and Maud Booth. By the 1950s, the structure was falling into disrepair and areas of it were declared unsafe. The Sunday School had to rent the movie theater across the street to meet in and the office was moved downstairs where the heavy furniture would not be a hazard. The beloved old building would have to be replaced; the question remained whether to rebuild on the same site or find another location. In the end, it was found that rebuilding on the same site would be more expensive than moving. The new site on Seventeen Mile Drive just outside the gate into Pebble Beach offered space for parking and room to build and grow. A quiet spot in a pine forest and home to a large herd of mule deer, it evoked memories of the original Retreat from so many years ago. Ground was broken in 1962 on Palm Sunday, and on April 7, 1963, again on Palm Sunday, the first worship service was held. Sunday, April 7, 2013 marked the fiftieth anniversary of that first service. First United Methodist Church has been a beacon of love and of spiritual health and renewal in this community. The contributions and efforts that they have made and will continue to make are invaluable, and I am honored to be able to recognize their achievements. Mr. Speaker, I know the whole House joins me in heartfelt congratulations on this auspicious day and wishing the congregation good luck in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Kirk H. Johnson for his tireless advocacy efforts and leadership supporting veterans. Kirk H. Johnson was born September 28, 1956 in Chestertown, Maryland. He enlisted in the Army in 1978 at Fort McClellan, Alabama as a Helicopter Repairman. Kirk was promoted to Sergeant in 1980 and in 1981, was appointed as Crew Chief for Army Chiefs of Staff. Mr. Johnson was awarded the Humanitarian Service Award in 1982 for his role in a life saving rescue mission after a commercial jet crashed into the 14th Street Bridge in Washington DC and plunged into the Potomac River. In 1983, Kirk entered the Warrant Officer Program to receive further flight training and graduated as an Aero Scout Pilot in 1984. Mr. Johnson was then stationed at Ft. Ord, California and upon arriving served as a Line Pilot as well as a Survival Training Officer for the Aviator Brigade. In his time at Ft. Ord, Kirk carried out a multitude of different duties, from Pilot in Command to Income Tax Officer, before being involved in an accident that separated him from his two passions: aviating and being a soldier. Kirk has been the Commander of the Department of California American Veterans since 2012 (DAV). He represents 101,133 members and 68 chapters throughout the state of California. This service organization provides free support to Veterans, their spouses, family members, and orphans. Services provided include filing claims to provide medical, educational, and compensation benefits to our wounded warriors. Kirk coordinates volunteer hours and transportation activities as a representative for the Veterans Administration Volunteer Services (VAVS) DAV at Palo Alto Veterans Hospital and the Monterey VA clinic since 2006. In 2012, the volunteer programs logged over 700,000 hours of coordinated volunteer services and thousands of travel miles from this transportation network. Mr. Johnson further supports VAVs by serving as Executive Committee President since 2010. Prior to assuming his current Commander role, Kirk was the Senior Vice Commander for Department of California DAV from 2011 to 2012 and Junior Vice Commander from 2010 to 2012. Kirk also acts as an Advisor to the Veterans Club at Monterey Peninsula Community College, which gives younger veterans an opportunity to help themselves and their community. Previously, Kirk served as the Club's President from 2009- 2011. Kirk's advocacy further includes his membership in the Veterans Focus Council from Palo Alto Health Care System and as the Judge Advocate and member of the Executive Committee from DAV Chapter 85, Seaside, California where he held previous positions. Kirk was the chaplain for DAV Chapter 85 from 2004 through 2007. Mr. Speaker, I once again want to thank Mr. Johnson for his continual dedication to helping our veterans and for his service to our country.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Women's History Month. Recently, we have witnessed history being made for women in the armed forces. In a long overdue decision, former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta lifted the ban on women serving in combat roles. This decision opens up every position for advancement within the military to women. Dating back to the American Revolutionary War, women have proudly served in the Armed Forces. Their roles may have varied throughout history but they have always answered the call to action for their country. During the Civil War, Clara Barton became a household name because of her service as a nurse and later as the founder of the American Red Cross. In the World War II era, the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter represents the women who stepped up to help their country in a time of need. Under the Obama Administration, Michale Flournoy was the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, the third-highest-ranking woman in the Pentagon's history. For more than a decade now, America has been engaging in a new method of warfare. With the ever-increasing use of technology, our military is now at a place where gender differences are less important. As the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown, the ban on women in combat roles was mostly theoretical because women served and continue to serve in de facto combat roles every day. Women have had the opportunity to serve in combat roles in other countries for years. It is long past time that the U.S. gives this opportunity to their female soldiers. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Women's History Month, I am extremely pleased that our military made history by looking at this outdated policy and made the long overdue decision to reverse the ban on women in combat.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas A. Rider for his continued dedication to the agricultural industries of Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. Tom is a thoughtful, soft-spoken, intelligent leader and his contributions have translated to increased viability of these crucial industries throughout the Central Coast. It is with great honor that I recognize Mr. Thomas A. Rider as the 2013 Al Smith Friend of Agriculture award winner. Tom is part of the fifth generation of his family in the Pajaro Valley. He graduated from Watsonville High School in 1966 and went on in 1971 to obtain his degree from Oregon State University. In the early to mid 1980s, Tom helped this family's business, H.A. Rider & Sons Bottles, make the successful transition from producing apple juice and cider to being a co-packer of flavored waters, brewed teas, energy drinks, and lemonades. Tom has served on the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Legislative Committee, in addition to chairing the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency. Later in his career, Tom served as the 4th Supervisorial District Representative for the Genetic Engineering Subcommittee for Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, HAS. Additionally, Tom represented the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau on the Transportation Funding Task Force, which is comprised of over 90 members representing business, neighborhood, environmental, health, and community-based organizations. Tom has also been a champion of the Basin Management Plan Committee for the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency, PVWMA. Committed to improving the agricultural industry, Tom is currently a board member for the Central Coast Agricultural Task Force, CCATF and a member of the Legislative Committee for the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau. Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt that agricultural industries of Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley will continue to thrive with Tom's devotion.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System on its sixtieth anniversary of caring for the health needs of Monterey County. Community leaders began fundraising for a new hospital in 1941. World War II postponed those efforts. They resumed in 1947, after the State of California passed an act allowing taxation districts to be established in local communities for the building of hospitals. All funding for the hospital was local; no state or federal funds were used in the project. The hospital was named Salinas Valley Memorial to honor the memory of ``the men and women of the armed forces who made the supreme sacrifice for their community and their nation.'' It opened on April 20, 1953 with 138 beds, 100 employees and 45 physicians. President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent a letter of congratulations in which he wrote, the ``People of Salinas have every right to be proud of this admirable example of local self-reliance and initiative.'' Roy Diaz, who survived the Bataan Death March, was in attendance at the dedication; he still lives in the area and will help Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System celebrate its anniversary. The hospital was state-of-the-art when it opened. Still, the advancements in technology over the next twenty-five years were greater than the founders could have imagined. Partnerships with universities and other healthcare organizations like Visiting Nurses and Doctors On Duty allow Salinas Valley Memorial to expand and deliver world-class health care into communities across the Central Coast. It is currently licensed for 269 acute care beds. Today there are more than 1,600 employees with more than 250 physicians on staff. The hospital has won numerous awards for its cardiac care center from such organizations as the American Heart Association and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In 2011, it was honored as being one of only 110 U.S. hospitals given the international designation of baby-friendly by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Mr. Speaker, I know the whole House joins me in congratulating Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System on its anniversary, and wish them many more years of quality service to the public.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a brave and honorable community hero, the late Sergeant Loran Lee ``Butch'' Baker, Jr. A Sergeant in the Santa Cruz Police Department, Butch was known not only for his investigative ability and skills in gathering intelligence, but also for his larger-than-life personality, his commitment to his family, his sense of humor, and his continual love for others. An avid sports fan, Butch enjoyed watching NASCAR races, and cheering for his favorite teams, The San Francisco Giants and The San Jose Sharks. Butch was born in San Francisco, California in 1961, and met his future wife, Kelly, when they were only ten and eleven years old. In 1985, Butch joined the Santa Cruz Police Department, where he displayed an unwavering commitment to protect and defend the citizens of the City of Santa Cruz. In 1989, Butch earned a Medal of Valor in for his heroic actions following the earthquake. Additionally, Butch earned numerous state and federal law enforcement awards throughout his career. Butch lost his life in a senseless act of violence, but his legacy will never be forgotten within our community, and throughout the extended law enforcement family. My thoughts are with Sergeant Baker's family, including his wife, Kelly, his daughters, Jillian and Ashley, and his son, Adam. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Sergeant Loran Lee ``Butch'' Baker, and to promise that his life and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Detective Elizabeth Chase Butler, a fallen Santa Cruz Police Detective who touched the lives of many through her commitment to service in her community. Elizabeth was born on March 16th, 1974, in Boulder, Colorado, and moved to Santa Cruz, California, after the tragedy of 9/11. Elizabeth joined the Santa Cruz Police Department in 2003 and was constantly challenged to learn new skills and take on new roles within the SCPD. She took great pride in the work she did and wore many hats in her years with the department, serving as a patrol officer and bicycle officer, and also as a member of a special drug task force and hostage negotiation team. Elizabeth had a love of investigating and had earned the rank of Detective in charge of sexual assault investigations at the time of her tragic death. Her compassion for others and commitment to her community only grew as she spent more time assisting with and caring for child and female victims. Elizabeth is survived by her long-time partner, Peter Wu, and their two sons, five-year old Joaquin, and two-year old Stellan. Her time with her family was filled with trips to the Santa Cruz beach, walks through Henry Cowell State Park, and visits to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. She and her family also traveled to Manzanita, Oregon, every summer to visit with extended family. Additionally, Elizabeth stayed very close with her longtime friends and college roommates, who had traveled to San Francisco for a twenty-year reunion the week before Elizabeth's passing. Detective Elizabeth Chase Butler will be remembered not only for her commitment to her family and her community, but also for her joyful spirit and love of life. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Detective Elizabeth Chase Butler's legacy as a kind-hearted and dedicated partner, mother, and community servant.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia ``Pat'' Derby, a world-renowned advocate, champion of animal rights, and a dear friend. Patricia Bysshe Shelly was born June 7, 1942, in East Sussex, England, the second of two children born to Charles Boswell Shelley, a Cambridge University professor, and Mary, a homemaker. Pat's father died when she was 12, and at the age of 15 she immigrated by herself to New York City to pursue her dream of theatre and ballet. She enrolled at New York's Columbia University but later dropped out to pursue her Hollywood dreams in California. While living in San Francisco, she met future husband and animal trainer Ted Derby and began working with him as a team, training animals for television and movies. Throughout the 1960's and 70's, Pat trained many exotic animals for Hollywood TV shows like ``Flipper,'' ``Lassie,'' and ``Gunsmoke.'' However, after many years of witnessing widespread abuse of exotic and performing animals, Pat quit the business and quickly became one of the most vocal critics of animal abuse in Hollywood. In 1975, Pat wrote her best-selling book, ``The Lady and Her Tiger,'' which documented her time working with animals in the entertainment industry and brought to light the negative aspects of the industry's practices, which invariably made her an enemy of many Hollywood elite. In 1984, Mrs. Derby and her lifetime associate, Ed Stewart, founded the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Her hope what that this organization would serve to advocate for, and protect, the animals we see on a daily basis in TV shows and movies. Pat's first, and most important, mission was always to educate others regarding animal rights and how organizations should approach caring for captive wild animals. Pat also worked closely with government agencies, and kept her USDA and California Fish and Game permits up-to-date as there were few facilities to aid animals when she first started. These permits were initially used to start a sanctuary that has since grown from 30 acres to 2,300 acres in Galt, California which has housed everything from lions and wolves to a sick baby Elephant. Each of which lived out the entirety of its life in full health on Pat's sanctuary. Pat's long time associate Ed Stewart wrote that when some people die they are unduly given ``hero'' status, and yet that is not Pat. She was a true hero in the animals rights world whose sole crusade was aimed at helping animals that could not protect or advocate for themselves. Pat realized that even wild animals need someone to look out for them, and she dedicated her life to that belief. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia ``Pat'' Derby for her lifetime commitment to protecting the welfare of performing animals.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th Anniversary of the Native Daughters of the Golden West Santa Cruz Parlor No. 26 (NDGW). For 125 years, Santa Cruz Parlor No. 26 has participated in the projects of the NDGW, some of which involve Civic Participation, California History and Landmarks including CA Lighthouses, Children's Foundation, Education and Scholarships, Mission Restoration, Pioneer Roster, Veterans Welfare, and the Native Daughters' Home. In the early years, Santa Cruz Parlor No. 26 raised money for a ``closed horse-drawn Carriage,'' as the county had no ambulance. By 1907 Santa Cruz Parlor was able to present an ambulance to Mayor Palmer and the members of the City Council. In 1939, a Wishing Well provided by the Santa Cruz Parlor and the Native Sons Parlor of Santa Cruz was dedicated with the funds going to help the NDGW Children's Foundation. These are only a few of the projects from the early years of the Parlor. As time went on the activities and reputation of the Parlor attracted a number of eminent local women. Among these were Truella Lund, who was the first Santa Cruz female police officer, and Margaret Koch. Her articles helped in the restoration and preservation of local historical buildings, including an adobe building which is part of the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. Hulda Hoover McLean, niece of President Herbert Hoover and a respected local politician in her own right, joined Santa Cruz Parlor in 1950 and was an active member for many years. Santa Cruz Parlor No. 26 continues its mission through various community projects. Each year they contribute to the Walnut Avenue Women's Center in Santa Cruz and the Valley Christmas Project in Ben Lomond. Santa Cruz Parlor packs over 300 gift bags every year for the Veterans at the Palo Alto Hospital and the Veterans Center in Capitola. In addition to these contributions, Santa Cruz gives generous college scholarships to high school students throughout Santa Cruz County. In addition to its own projects, Santa Cruz Parlor also joins its District Parlors located in San Juan Bautista, Salinas and Monterey for a yearly benefit for the Native Daughters Home, and a Mission Restoration lunch fund raiser. Last year's funds provided assistance for the restoration of some of the historic statues located in the chapel of Mission Santa Cruz. In the past, funds from our Mission Restoration lunches have helped the nearby missions of San Miguel, Carmel, San Antonio, and San Juan Bautista. Mr. Speaker, I know my fellow members of the House will join me in congratulating the Native Daughters of the Golden West Santa Cruz Parlor No. 26 on their 125th anniversary. We thank them for the many activities that improve the community and promote our heritage, and wish them many more years of service.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, every day, police officers place themselves in harm's way to protect our communities. It's that unselfish act that separates them from ordinary citizens. Through their willingness to serve, our brave policemen and -women represent the best of our country. Sadly, last week, in my district, two fine officers, Sergeant Loran ``Butch'' Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler, were killed in the line of duty in the small town of Santa Cruz, California. Sergeant Baker and Detective Butler are the first officers to be killed in the line of duty in the city's 137-year history. Our prayers and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of these officers. And I'd like the House to take a brief moment of silence in their memory. Sergeant Baker leaves behind a wife, two daughters and a son, who is a Community Service Officer with the Santa Cruz Police Department. Detective Butler leaves behind her partner and two young sons. This is a horrible tragedy, and I join with the residents of the Central Coast to mourn this loss and to pay our respects to these two fallen heroes.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I've been in Congress 20 years, and on the Appropriations Committee not quite that long. And never in my life have I seen us in such disarray. This institution has failed to lead the Nation. It's failed to get its own act together. We can't do this in a transparent, normal process by adopting bills. We're operating on these emergency issues like continuing resolutions, sequestration. We've got the Nation totally confused, the entire administration of government in the United States confused as to what tomorrow's going to bring. We don't know whether we're going to have enough money, or we're going to give you back some money. Are you going to lay off people? Are you going to cut their salaries? We're in mass confusion, and our States and local governments are dependent on us getting our act together. I'm really surprised that we are failing to address the needs of this Nation. Yes, we have a huge debt. Everybody in this Congress has a huge debt in their own life. It's called a mortgage. And we figure out a 30-year plan or a 15-year plan to pay it off. Doing this by CR is totally irresponsible. I ask for a ``no'' vote.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of Peace Corps Volunteer Nicholas Castle. Nick died on February 7th at a hospital in Chengdu, China after a brief illness. By all accounts, Nick exemplified the best of what both America and Peace Corps has to offer the world. He was a bright young man from Brentwood, California who brought a sense of humor, creativity, and a willingness to say yes to his life. Service played an important role in the all too brief arc of Nick's life. Growing up in Brentwood, he worked with the city Youth Commissioner to support community service events that raised money for annual scholarships for college-bound students. As an undergraduate at the University of California, Berkeley, Nick was equally as invested in service as the Director of Global Outreach Week, a week of activities demonstrating the actions and benefits students and faculty can have around the world. He also worked with the local Peace Corps campus recruiter to encourage students to apply to serve. In August 2012, Nick was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer in China where he taught university-level English in Guizhou Province. In his short time there, Nick left a big impression, through the English classes he taught, community office hours he hosted, and ping-pong and badminton games he played. It is no surprise that his students called him ``Mr. Sunshine.'' I offer my profound condolences to Nick's parents, David and Susan Castle, and to his three brothers. There is no deeper pain for a parent than the loss of a child. But Nick leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments that have forever made this world a better place.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I had planned to be on the floor this morning to talk about the 52nd Anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corp. However, something very unpeaceful happen in my district in Santa Cruz, CA recently that I need to speak about instead--Tuesday afternoon, two police officers were shot and killed, and a suspect was later killed by police. When other officers arrived at the scene, they found the two detectives, Sgt. Loran ``Butch'' Baker, a 28-year veteran, and detective Elizabeth Butler, a 10-year veteran, shot and killed outside a residence. Sgt. Baker and Detective Butler are the first officers to be killed in the line of duty in the city's history. Sgt. Baker leaves behind a wife, two daughters and a son, who is a community service officer with the Santa Cruz Police Department. Detective Butler leaves behind her partner and two young sons. This is a horrible tragedy, and I join with all residents of the Central Coast, to mourn this loss and to pay our respects to these two outstanding officers. Our prayers and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of the officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. While the words of comfort we offer today are sincere, our actions and deeds will be the true test of our resolve. If we are truly committed to ending gun violence in our communities, we must be willing to find real solutions to prevent this type of senseless shooting from occurring again. We owe that much to the brave men and women who put on a police uniform every day. We must be willing to protect those who so bravely protect us. As a community, we promise that the sacrifices of Sgt. Baker and Detective Butler will not be forgotten.