Sam Farr

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Bob Whitley. As President of the United States Tour Operators Association, Bob Whitley dedicated his life to promoting travel, tourism and building lasting friendships. I am proud and honored to have worked with such a caring and dedicated professional on issues so important for our nation. In my efforts to advance current legislation providing United States citizens the freedom to travel to Cuba, I seized an opportunity to visit New York City and create national media discussion of the issue. Accompanying me on that trip in September 2009 was Bob Whitley, truly one of the most knowledgeable and respected travel industry leaders. As our trip progressed, I came to know Bob for the man he was and the legacy he would leave behind. His passion for United States generated tourism and his love for people around the world drew us together. This past March, Bob helped organize and lead the U.S. Cuba Travel Summit in Cancun, Mexico--an event that drew strong participation from both nations in an effort to open communications and discuss easing travel restrictions. Bob passed away in May, and his funeral included an unrivaled gathering of travel industry colleagues and friends. Today, I add my name as one of his greatest admirers. Bob held many distinguished positions throughout his career, including Director of both the Florida and Pennsylvania Departments of Tourism, Director of the Virginia Beach Convention and Tourist Bureau, and an incredible thirty-two years at the United States Tour Operators Association. Because of his outstanding record, Bob has been recognized internationally many times. This year, he will receive the 2010 National Tour Association Pioneer Award, an honor given to career leaders in tourism. I am proud to be a past recipient of this same award and it is my honor to share it with Bob. In addition to his career accomplishments, Bob was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling to new destinations around the globe, eventually visiting over 100 countries. He leaves his wife, two sons, a daughter, their spouses, and his grandchildren to carry on. The travel industry has lost a giant, with Bob's passing. We will miss him.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of John Fischer, who passed away recently at the age of 81. I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize his long public service in the California Central Coast community that I represent. John was born and raised on the east coast, graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in physics. He was a long time member of Mensa, which accepts only persons who test in the top two percent of our nation in intelligence. John was in the top .01 percent. He moved to Los Angeles and worked for the Los Angeles Fire Department for nearly a decade. During that time he assisted the Los Angeles Police Department on the task force that took part in solving the Hillside Strangler case. He later worked for the LAPD, and then for the Los Angeles City Library. In 1989, John moved to Pacific Grove and immediately became a frequent speaker at City Council and other public meetings, advocating for environmental issues. John had a gift for explaining difficult concepts in simple terms that made complex topics understandable. His discourse was not only informative, but always polite, even in heated disagreements. I never saw him without his snowy owl pendant, and even his license plate, ``Snowy,'' proclaimed his love of and care for the natural world. In his twenty-one years in our community, he contributed a lot of time and effort to many organizations. He was a co-founder of EcoCorps with former Pacific Grove Mayor Sandy Koffman and her husband; he served as President and Trustee of Friends of the Sea Otter; he volunteered for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in all its programs that monitor water quality, and also served for years on its Conservation Working Group. He volunteered for Pacific Grove's Monarch Habitat Restoration Committee, Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Advisory Committee, Economic Development Group, Housing Committee, Community Policing Advisory Committee, Traffic Commission, Crespi Pond Committee, and represented Pacific Grove on the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Transportation Agency of Monterey County. For his over 1,800 hours as a volunteer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium he was named a ``Volunteer Emeritus.'' In 2005, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation named him an Outstanding Volunteer. He received numerous accolades during his life for his many contributions. Madam Speaker, I know that I speak for the whole House in mourning the passing of this dedicated and loving man. His life was a gift to his community, a shining example to be emulated by those who he inspired to continue his work.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR.- Madam Speaker, I rise today as I do every year, to call attention to the 8th Annual Sea Otter Awareness Week, September 26- October 2, 2010, sponsored by Defenders of Wildlife. This week-long event provides the opportunity to educate the broader public on sea otters, their natural history, the integral role they play in the near- shore marine ecosystem, and the conservation issues they are facing. In the early 1700's, before wide-scale hunting began, sea otters ranged across the North Pacific rim from Japan to Baja California. The worldwide population estimates for that time range from the hundreds of thousands to more than one million. Before the hunting began, there were approximately 16,000-20,000 along California's coast. But killing these animals for their fur all but decimated the population until they were thought to be extinct off the coast of California by the early 1900's. However, in the 1930's a small population of less than 100 animals was discovered in a remote cove on a coastal ranch in Big Sur, on the Central Coast of California. Since that time, groups such as Defenders of Wildlife, Friends of the Sea Otter and Ocean Conservancy have raised public awareness and helped protect this important species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. The presence of the California sea otter has become an icon of the state's coastal environment and culture, and these charismatic animals bring significant tourism revenue to Californian coastal communities. Still, sea otter populations remain threatened. This year's three year population average, counted by the U.S. Geological Survey, totals only 2,711 animals, a 3.6 percent drop in overall population, and 11 percent drop in otter pups since 2009. This is the second year in a row that the population has been in decline. The annual survey saw a decrease in otter numbers throughout their range, and particularly in areas where much of their reproduction occurs. These latest numbers are of great concern and researchers have begun to identify indirect hazards for sea otters such as non-point source pollution, pathogens, and entrapment in fisheries gear that are causing their population growth to reverse. Data also suggests that breeding-age females are dying in higher than usual numbers from multiple causes, including infectious disease, toxin-exposure, heart failure, malnutrition, and shark attacks. Each day, research is uncovering additional causes of sea otter population declines. A recent study reveals that mycrocystin, a toxic algae that forms in reservoirs, lakes and stagnant freshwater ponds, is responsible for the deaths of at least 21 sea otters in the Monterey Bay area and researchers state that this is the first ever documentation of a freshwater algal bloom being transmitted to upper- level marine mammals. Such realizations support the need for continued research and preventive measures to respond to these issues, while continuing to ward against the direct killings and takings that still occur. Sea otters are integrally important to the ecosystem in which they live. For this reason, the decline of southern sea otters off of the California coast not only impacts the species itself, but it affects other marine populations and the surrounding ecosystem. The demise of sea otters allows their prey, sea urchins, to proliferate unchecked leading to the alarming overgrazing of kelp beds--one of the oceans nursery grounds for many marine animals. Research shows that the absence of sea otters has a direct link to the sharp decline of kelp along portions of California's coast. Further, the sea otter is effective at monitoring toxins and diseases in the marine environment, which can affect the health of humans and other wildlife. California took the first step toward addressing these emerging concerns by signing Assembly Bill 2485 into law. This bill establishes a state fund for sea otter conservation where Californians have the option of donating a portion of their tax returns to sea otter conservation. I want to emphasize that this means that Californians voluntarily pay a little more on their tax return to help protect these animals. Even during these trouble economic times, more than $228,903 has been raised already this year. However, this is a federally protected species and California cannot go it alone. In addition to continuing to work with my colleagues to secure Federal funds to support a continued and complete recovery of the population, I am proud that H.R. 556, The Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act, was passed by the House of Representatives in July of 2009. This tremendous success was buoyed by the support and devotion of many people. In the other house, Senator Barbara Boxer has introduced a companion bill, S. 1748, which passed out of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation on June 9 by unanimous consent. The Committee hopes to move the bill later this year as a part of their omnibus public lands legislative package. We are just a few steps away from at last making the act into law and bringing needed resources to this threatened species. Madam Speaker, I applaud the many accomplishments of Defenders of Wildlife, who carry out the important mission to preserve our nation's wildlife and habitat. I also applaud the other nonprofit environmental organizations, working with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, researchers, fishermen, state and federal agencies, schools, and many other institutions and individuals, who devote tremendous effort to protect and recover the southern California sea otter. Sea Otter Awareness Week is just one of their many activities geared towards honoring and saving this species, and I am proud to be associated with this vital work.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of my colleagues in Congress who are return Peace Corps volunteers--Congressman Petri, Congressman Honda, Congressman Driehaus, and Congressman Garamendi. Fifty years ago this October in a predawn address, then-Presidential candidate, John F. Kennedy, challenged students at the University of Michigan to give 2 years of their lives to improve America's image by serving abroad. This impromptu exhortation ultimately set the stage for the Peace Corps, redefined U.S. global engagement, and elevated American moral standing at the height of the Cold War. The idea ignited the public imagination and the executive branch initiated the program rapidly. Losing no time, President Kennedy ordered Sargent Shriver to do a feasibility study. Sargent Shriver said at the time, ``We received more letters from people offering to work in or to volunteer for the Peace Corps, which did not then exist, than for all other existing Federal agencies.'' I was one of those early recruits who found in the Peace Corps an avenue for national service. And just as 8,000 current volunteers are doing today around the world, I did many years ago in Medellin, Colombia, South America. As a member of the Peace Corps, you wake up in a distant country, without any modern amenities, and start working with your neighbors to prioritize community projects. You labor shoulder-to-shoulder to make those projects a reality. And in the process, you build hope and understanding and demonstrate American generosity. The understanding is a two-way street. When I was in Colombia, I learned as much as I taught. I took away as much as I gave. When I was in Colombia, my mother passed away from cancer. My father brought my two sisters to visit me to have a family reunion. My youngest sister, Nancy, 17-years-old, a junior in high school, was killed in an accident. She was thrown from a horse. Her death was avoidable. Better health care, a better hospital could have saved her. I was angry at Colombia, at sort of Third World poverty, at my community, and at myself for having brought my family to visit me. I stuck with it, though, and over time with reflection, I came to terms with my anger. It was not Colombia. It was not Colombian doctors who flew hundreds of miles in the middle of the night to try to save her. It was not my community in Colombia. When the landing strip was too dark for a plane to land, members of the community put out burning lanterns to guide the plane in. They consoled me. They took care of our family. It was poverty, the grinding poverty that still exists today, that exposes women and men, young and old, to enormous vulnerabilities. I might add that those vulnerabilities aren't protected by an American passport or an American ability to find monetary solutions. If you're stuck in an underserved, poverty part of the world with a crisis in front of you, you have to deal with the tools at hand. I committed then at that moment, and throughout my life, to work to end the culture of poverty. My life was changed. It was the Peace Corps that changed me. My story is one of a quarter of a million volunteer stories and millions of more Peace Corps stories if you talk to the communities that receive the volunteers. Peace Corps was then, and continues to be today, a story of the goodness of the United States of America. Next year, Peace Corps will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In anticipation of this momentous occasion, the 111th Congress is poised to take action on two very important measures to honor the Peace Corps. First, the House will vote today to celebrate a half century of the Peace Corps with a commemorative work in the District of Columbia. The commemorative work authorized by this bill is compliant with both the letter and the intent of the Commemorative Works Act. It costs zero taxpayer dollars, not a penny. This bill provides a space where the creation of the Peace Corps will find its place in American history. It will be a modest commemorative work, a place to contemplate the spirit of hope that gave rise to the idea of sending a cadre of Americans into the world to serve their country by serving the poorest and most vulnerable in the world. It commemorates the creation of a unique form of public service that seeks peace through international service, people-to-people diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding. I appreciate the work of Chairman Rahall and Chairman Grijalva and their staffs; the minority staff and Mr. Doc Hastings, and I particularly would like to recognize the staffs of both of the majority and minority committee members who helped bring this bill to the floor. Later this year we'll have another opportunity to show our appreciation for the Peace Corps when we vote for the House funding for Peace Corps in the FY11 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Act. The House has met the President's ask of $446 million, the subcommittee marked it at that, which can renew the promise of the Peace Corps in anticipation of its 50th anniversary. President Obama has directed the Peace Corps to aggressively reform programming and training and open up and expand missions around the world, specifically in North Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Just as President Kennedy did 50 years ago, President Obama inspired a Nation with his call to service. He has redefined the way the United States engages with the world, emphasizing direct communication and people-to-people diplomacy. Peace Corps represents those ideals at a time when diplomacy is a global imperative. Please join me in voting for H.R. 4195 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps and allow a commemorative mark to be done at no cost to the taxpayers.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, Colombia and the United States America enjoy a friendship rare among nations. That friendship has been strengthened by Colombian Ambassador to the United States Carolina Barco Isakson's tireless engagement and sound stewardship over her four-year tenure. While I am sad to see her leave this post, I commend her work and legacy on behalf of U.S.-Colombia relations. Ambassador Barco, whom I consider a close friend, has made the case for continued strong ties between our two countries. She has told the positive, but yet unfinished, narrative of Colombia coming back from the brink and building strong democratic institutions. Over the past several years, Colombia has adopted several innovative initiatives to protect human rights, address the needs of internally displaced people and investigate and prosecute crimes against humanity. Colombia has seen impressive gains in security. Long an economic dynamo in Latin America, the Government of Colombia has battled back the FARC and right-wing militias giving citizens their security back. In the process they have invested mightily in social programming, taking government services to places where they hadn't previously been provided. Through my service in the Peace Corps in Medellin, I grew to love Colombia. Over the last several years, I have happily watched Colombia grow more stable and prosperous. Ambassador Carolina Barco recounted every detail of Colombia's remarkable turnaround to Members of Congress in vivid detail. And when that didn't work she showed the story by taking Members of Congress to Colombia. Ambassador Barco is a lifelong public servant whose commitment to improving not just her country, but the entire world, is evident in all that she does. Prior to heading the Colombian Embassy in Washington D.C., she was Colombia's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2002 to 2006. She has directed the City Planning Department in Bogota and advised the National Planning Department, the Office of the Mayor of Bogota and the Ministries of Development, Culture, and Environment. She has consulted with the United Nations Development Program and is a member of Lincoln Institute of Land Policy's Board of Directors. Ambassador Barco will soon return to her roots as an urban planner. She intends to stay on in Washington, D.C. to consult with the Inter- American Development Bank on greening cities. I asked Ambassador Barco to name one thing that she achieved while Ambassador to the United States that makes her most proud. Without hesitation she noted that it was bringing Peace Corps back to Colombia. After two decades, Peace Corps will return to Colombia largely due to the heavy lifting Ambassador Barco did to bridge our countries and outreach to the appropriate government agencies. Ambassador Barco never missed an opportunity to show her appreciation for Peace Corps. She invited former volunteers to the Colombian Embassy, where she watched in amazement as scores of former Peace Corps volunteers sang the Colombia National Anthem. She traveled to Cartagena two years ago to celebrate the return of hundreds of former Peace Corps volunteers to Colombia for a special week of service, always with the goal of formalizing a relationship between the Peace Corps and Colombia. I am proud to say that the first class of Peace Corps volunteers since 1981 is now working in Colombia, changing the lives of countless Americans and Colombians for the better. Thank you, Ambassador Barco, for successfully bringing our countries together and keeping our alliance relevant and robust. I wish you all the best as you depart from this important ambassadorship and will look forward to collaborating with you as you continue to make a positive impact with your work.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts of a remarkable group of citizens in my Central California district. They are gathering today to commemorate our nation's historic election, nearly two years ago, of its first African-American President. No American could remain unmoved by this great historic watershed. That is particularly true in the California Central Coast Community of Seaside. Seaside grew up as an Army town, the neighboring community to Fort Ord, one of the U.S. Army's largest training and operational bases for much of the 20th Century. That alone would have made Seaside much like any other Army town across the country--except that Fort Ord was the first Army facility to desegregate following President Truman's 1948 executive order. So while the home states of many prominent Army bases remained gripped by segregation, Fort Ord and its surrounding communities became a magnet for African American soldiers to serve and later to retire. As Seaside's first lawyer, my father, the late State Senator Fred Farr, represented many soldiers who wanted to avoid reassignment to a southern state post because they had married a white or Asian woman during their time in the service and could not return to a State where that marriage was illegal. So the election of an African-American child of a mixed marriage holds a special symbolism for a community that grew out the same hard fought tradition of multi-racial tolerance. Which brings me to the efforts of this remarkable group of Seaside community members. Following the election, the idea arose that Seaside should rename one of its primary thoroughfares in honor of President Obama. An informal committee of volunteers took the idea and worked through the intricacies to municipal administration. A full name change posed significant challenges to the businesses and residents who had invested in the Street's traditional name. A compromise was reached. So this afternoon Seaside community members and elected leaders will gather to give Broadway Avenue the honorary designation of `Obama Way' in recognition of our Nation's historic election of its first African- American President. To my knowledge this is one of the first such street designations in the United States in honor of the President, though I am confident that many more will follow. In closing, I formally recognize those leading citizens who played the central role in this small, but remarkable achievement. They include the Chairman of the Obama Way Committee LTC(R) Morris McDaniel, former Seaside Mayor Don Jordon, his wife Alice Jordon, former Councilmember and MPUSD Trustee Helen Rucker, the Rev. H.H. Lusk, Ruthie Watts, Kathy Badon, Sandra Lackey, Yolanda Grimble, and Carlos Ramos. Madam Speaker, I know that I speak for the whole House in commending them for their community service.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chair, BP's Deepwater Horizon oil disaster is the worst environmental catastrophe in United States history. Change must be made for the future of our ocean, and they must be made now. Today, by voting yes to CLEAR, we can at last revolutionize our approach to how we use our ocean and coastal resources. I am a fifth generation Californian who represents one of the most majestic meetings of land to sea in the world. My district encompasses the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which spans of 276 miles of shoreline and is the largest marine sanctuary in the system. It is home to one of Earth's most diverse marine ecosystems, making it a nationally recognized center for marine science. For these reasons and many more, I have been entrenched in ocean policy reform since I served in the California State Legislature over two decades ago. The National Oceans Conference, which took place in Monterey in 1998, kick-started a nationwide movement to review the status of our ocean resources. I helped pass the Oceans Act of 2000 to establish the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and formed the House Oceans Caucus to promote ocean issues and advance recommendations by the commission. Since the 108th Congress I have introduced the Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act (Oceans-21) to establish a comprehensive National Ocean Policy, create a regional ocean governance structure, and setup a trust fund for the ocean. In addition, since the president established his Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force over a year ago, I have pressed the Administration to come forth with a strong National Ocean Policy. As you know, a few weeks ago President Obama demonstrated his commitment to the ocean health by signing an executive order that establishes a comprehensive, integrated National Policy for the stewardship of our ocean and coasts. Today, my hard work on behalf of the ocean and its resources culminates in this oil spill response package. I am proud to say the Act sets forth both a regional ocean governance structure and an ocean trust fund that are central components of my Oceans-21 legislation. The CLEAR Act makes the necessary reforms needed for the health and sustainability of our ocean and it, coupled with the President's recent executive order, realizes the policies and principles of Oceans-21. In short, with the passage of CLEAR, our ocean is better positioned for future sustainable management, protection, conservation and resiliency than ever before. It is important to take a moment to note just how monumental it is that CLEAR contains a provision that will create a new trust fund for the ocean. A fund for the ocean has been recommended for years by leading voices in ocean management, including the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, the Pew Oceans Commission and my Oceans-21 legislation. Finally, funds raised from drilling in our ocean will go toward protecting and improving our ocean. We generate a great deal of revenue and benefits from the ocean and coasts; however, we reinvest only a fraction of the benefits we receive back into those resources. We devalue our ocean and coasts each day that we continue to fail to invest in them, and today we can change that. I am proud that my many years of hard work for the ocean are producing real results. It is high time we step up to protect ocean health just as we have done in the past for clean air and clean water. Today we must support the president and his recently enacted National Ocean Policy by enacting strong policies and regulations for our ocean. As I said, leadership is about getting results, and the only way to get results for the ocean today is to vote aye to H.R. 3534.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carol Hartunian Girvetz of Santa Cruz, California. Carol Hartunian Girvetz passed away on July 4th, 2010. Carol will be remembered always as a loving mother, loyal wife, and dedicated citizen committed to her community. Carol Hartunian Girvetz was born in Hollywood in 1946 to Armenian immigrant parents. She spent her early years as a young adult studying Art and English at UC Santa Barbara. After college, she began her career as a teacher and quickly changed paths upon taking a job with Pan American as a flight attendant. During this time, she worked on many R&R flights tending to soldiers from the Vietnam War as they traveled to meet their loved ones back at home, and then returning them back to the battlefield. After her days of traveling with Pan American, Carol returned to California to begin her new life as a wife and mother. Carol and her first husband Jon raised their two children, Evan and Shyla in the small town of Freedom in Santa Cruz County. Her connection with the community was immediate as she became enmeshed in the community's needs. She served on the Women's Commission and along with several women, started the first shelter for female victims of domestic violence. This achievement would be the first of many in her thirty years of service to Santa Cruz County. Carol most recently retired from the position of Assistant County Administrative Officer, where I had worked with her for years. During this time, Carol built a close and loving relationship with her second husband George Newell. Carol was known by her colleagues for her strong work ethic, great sense of humor, and devotion to public service. She was an extraordinary person and public employee who will always be remembered and missed by her colleagues. In addition to her work in public service, Carol was also heavily involved in local fine arts in Santa Cruz. She played a large role in the development of the McPherson Center for Art and History. She also served as a board member for such organizations as United Way of Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, among others. Her hard work has given the community and future generations the opportunity to be immersed in fine arts. Her life is a testament to how the commitment of public service can leave a lasting impact on a community. Madam Speaker, I ask members of the House to join me in honoring the life of Carol Hartunian Girvetz, and extend our nation's deepest gratitude to her thirty years of service to her community. Carol is survived by her husband, George Newell, son Evan Girvetz, daughter Shyla Girvetz and their father Jon Girvetz. Carol lived sixty-four years of life filled with the love of her family, passion for public service and the arts, and will be greatly missed.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Thank you, Chairman Rahall, for yielding. Mother Earth, wake up. Today's the day that Congress is going to show some leadership. Leadership is about getting results. And last week, the President of the United States enacted, by Executive order, a government oceans plan, a governance plan to look at our oceans in totality. Today, Congress is going to enact the ability to govern the oceans and to think about the totality of how this Earth survives with 73 percent of the Earth being covered by oceans. Too bad that so many people get up and talk about, in a crisis, oh, if it was just a little bit better we could support half the bill, we could support a little bit of this, something's wrong. That's not leadership. Leadership's about getting results. And the only way you get results today is to vote ``aye.'' It solves a lot of problems. Voting ``no'' solves nothing. Nothing. The planet can't stand nothing. For too long there has not been leadership. That side is the side that gave us James Watt, ``Drill, baby drill,'' gave us Richard Pombo, chair of the Resources Committee, the Darth Vader of environmental legislation. Nothing ever came out of that committee. And today what do they want? We don't want this bill because it's not perfect. Ladies and gentlemen, today's the day that we respect Mother Earth and give her a chance to help our dying oceans stop dying. And the only way to do that is to vote ``aye.''

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2480, the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2009. This bill will amend the Fur Products Labeling Act of 1951 to close the loophole that allows the sale of products containing a relatively small quantity of fur or fur that is valued at $150 or less. The current loophole denies consumers the right to know what their garment is really made of. It may say ``faux'' but this may not be accurate. Consumers who may have allergies to fur or ethical objections to fur cannot make informed purchases. Our constituents have the right to know what they are purchasing and wearing. This bill was introduced in response to a series of investigations of fur products sold at major retailers across the country. This investigation found that a significant number of clothes designers and retailers were selling some fur-trimmed garments that were described as faux when actually they turned out to be real fur. This legislation is about transparency and providing consumers with accurate information on what they're buying. This legislation simply requires that fur-trimmed garments meet the same labeling standard already in place for fur garments of a higher dollar value. It does not affect the trade in any animal fur or the methods used to produce animal fur. The legislation also asks the Federal Trade Commission to review the Fur Products Name Guide and ensure accuracy and consistency of species names. I supported this legislation in the 110th Congress, and strongly support it today. Mr. Speaker, I want to strongly add my support to H.R. 2480, the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2009.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. To our current acting ranking member, Mr. Crenshaw, thank you very much for giving me this moment to speak on this very important bill. Madam Chair, yesterday, the House of Representatives had a very important vote, a very controversial vote here. The vote was on funding the war effort in Afghanistan. Those votes ought to be controversial-- whether we go to war, where we go to war, and how long the mission is going to take. Those ought to be votes that you can cast for and against. Yet there is one bill you can't vote against, and that is the bill that supports the troops in their residence, in their training and back here at home--the quality of life that we provide defense personnel, military personnel. This is the bill that funds the child care centers. This is the bill that creates the housing for men and women in uniform, who voluntarily join the service. This is the bill that creates the clinics and the hospitals, the support systems--any kind of community of support--and a special one for military personnel needs. So one can vote against the war, but one cannot vote against the support here at home. This bill has bipartisan support because it is interested in improving the quality of life of military personnel, who voluntarily come into the military. Everybody who passes through the Department of Defense ends up becoming a veteran. You cannot be a veteran without having served in active duty. This committee also supports the continuum of care. We ought not to have a silo of Defense Department quality of care and a separate silo for veterans. We are making it seamless. We are making it so that, when you enroll in the Department of Defense, you also automatically enroll in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs takes care of you for the rest of your life. We owe it to any man or woman who has ever served in the military to provide them the promises that were made. These promises were made, but the quality of care until now has not been that great. It has changed. Please support this appropriations bill as the real ``support our troops'' bill.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Carol Hartunian Girvetz of Santa Cruz, California. Carol Hartunian Girvetz passed away on July 4th, 2010. Carol will be remembered always as a loving mother, loyal wife, and dedicated citizen committed to her community. Carol Hartunian Girvetz was born in Hollywood in 1946 to Armenian immigrant parents. She spent her early years as a young adult studying Art and English at UC Santa Barbara. After college, she began her career as a teacher and quickly changed paths upon taking a job with Pan American as a flight attendant. During this time, she worked on many R&R flights tending to soldiers from the Vietnam War as they traveled to meet their loved ones back at home, and then returning them back to the battlefield. After her days of traveling with Pan American, Carol returned to California to begin her new life as a wife and mother. Carol and her husband George raised their two children, Evan and Shyla in the small town of Freedom in Santa Cruz County. Her connection with the community was immediate as she became enmeshed in the community's needs. She served on the Women's Commission and along with several women, started the first shelter for female victims of domestic violence. This achievement would be the first of many in her thirty years of service to Santa Cruz County. Carol most recently retired from the position of Assistant County Administrative Officer, where I had worked with her for years. Carol was known by her colleagues for her strong work ethic, great sense of humor, and devotion to public service. She was an extraordinary person and public employee who will always be remembered and missed by her colleagues. In addition to her work in public service, Carol was also heavily involved in local fine arts in Santa Cruz. She played a large role in the development of the McPherson Center for Art and History. She also served as a board member for such organizations as United Way of Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History, among others. Her hard work has given the community and future generations the opportunity to be immersed in fine arts. Her life is a testament to how the commitment of public service can leave a lasting impact on a community. Madam Speaker, I ask members of the House to join me in honoring the life of Carol Hartunian Girvetz, and extend our nation's deepest gratitude to her thirty years of service to her community. Carol lived sixty-four years of life filled with the love of her family, passion for public service and the arts, and will be greatly missed.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5566, the Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act of 2010. This bill will ban the sale and distribution of so-called animal crush videos. In reality, they are shocking displays of animal cruelty. This bill was introduced in response to the Supreme Court's decision in U.S. v. Stevens to strike down a previous law that banned these videos, as unconstitutional. The sponsor of the new bill, Congressman Gallegly, worked with law and constitutional scholars to ensure that this bill is narrowly tailored to be able to survive strict First Amendment scrutiny while still banning the sale and distribution of these horrific videos. Additionally, for the opponents out there who incorrectly object to the bill on the grounds that it may restrict hunting and fishing rights, the bill clarifies that depictions of hunting, fishing, trapping and common animal husbandry practices are exempt. As many of my colleagues know, I have had a lifelong love and compassion for animals of all kinds. That is why I am simply shocked at the cruelty exhibited in these videos. What upsets me more is that there is an audience out there that enjoys the brutality depicted in these videos. I supported the original legislation that banned the depiction of animal cruelty in the 106th Congress. Today I want to strongly add my support to H.R. 5566, the Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act of 2010. Mr. Speaker, it is past time that this inhumane and cruel practice is once and for all put to an end.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to mourn the loss of a soldier constituent, U.S. Army Specialist Roger Lee, 26, of Monterey, California. He was a brave soldier who fought valiantly for our freedom. More importantly, he was a proud father, a loyal husband, a caring brother, and a devoted son. Roger Lee was born and raised in Monterey, California. He came from a loving family that followed the American Dream by starting a family- owned business on California's Central Coast. Roger graduated from Monterey High School and later went to the Arizona Automotive Institute in Glendale, Arizona where he met his wife, Elvina Lee. In 2005, Roger and Elvina Lee celebrated the birth of their daughter Jazmyne Lee. Shortly after, in 2007, Roger made the decision to enlist in the United States Army, both to fulfill his lifelong goal of serving our country and to build a better life for his wife and daughter. Specialist Lee served in United States Army 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment based in Hohenfies, Germany. On July 6, 2010, insurgents attacked Specialist Lee's vehicle near Qalat, Afghanistan, with an improvised explosive device. He ultimately perished from the wounds inflicted by that attack. For his actions and service to our county, Roger was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Madam Speaker, I know that I speak for the whole House in offering our deepest sympathies to Specialist Lee's family and friends. Our nation extends its deepest gratitude for Specialist Lee's service to the United States of America.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, the United States Congress enacted legislation to create an Oceans Commission to look at how we can prevent the oceans from dying. Yesterday, the President of the United States enacted, by Executive order, the first national oceans policy and governance for the oceans and Great Lakes of the United States--our greatest national heritage and our greatest national trust. We, the people, are going to be taking care of the oceans like they've never been taken care of before. We're not going to allow the conflicts of the sea of overfishing, of overmining, of overdrilling, of overeverything and dumping all of our waste and garbage and sewage into the oceans. We're now going to have a policy that's like the clean air policy, where we cleaned up the air in America, cleaned up the water in America with the Clean Water Act. Thank you, Mr. President, for being the best steward our oceans have ever had and implementing the recommendations of the National Oceans Commission, which Congress enacted but could not enact legislation. Hopefully, we'll move out from here and the world will see and the children will appreciate the actions that the President took yesterday.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the California Rodeo Salinas on the occasion of its centennial anniversary. For 100 years, the California Rodeo Salinas has both preserved the legacy of California's early Spanish ranchero culture and supported countless charitable and community endeavors in the Salinas Valley. The Salinas Rodeo is the largest rodeo in the state of California with more than 50,000 visitors each year. Locals take great pride in the event and insist on its Spanish pronunciation as the ``row-day- oh.'' In 1911, civic boosters organized the first rodeo as a Wild West Show and attracted a trainload of visitors from San Francisco. Crowds steadily grew in the following years and it became one of the largest rodeo competitions in the world. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Rodeo organizers canceled the event for the duration of the war. It wasn't until 1947 that the organizers were able to restart the show. The Salinas Rodeo is held every July and includes a range of rodeo competitions, including professional bull riding, bareback riding, bull fighting, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, steer wresting and team roping. Nearly 1,000 contestants compete every year from all over the United States and Mexico for prize money totaling $300,000. The event also includes other events including the Kiddie Kapers Western themed kids costume parade, the Colmo del Rodeo lighted night parade, the downtown horse parade and the Miss California Rodeo Salinas pageant. In 2008, the Rodeo was honored with their induction into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. The Rodeo has also been an active partner in the community. Through the Rodeo, local schools and charities are given the opportunity to earn money every year by selling goods during the event. The Rodeo also gives out scholarships annually to several high school seniors. Over the years, these community contributions have totaled over $250,000. And the Salinas Valley community has embraced the Rodeo, making the event its own and providing more than 1,200 volunteers each year. Madam Speaker, in closing, I want to hold up the California Rodeo Salinas as a cultural event that brings joy and prosperity to its community every year. May its continued success inspire many more generations to celebrate our nation's cultural heritage and participate in its future.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a public servant who has spent the past 36 years serving our troops and veterans. Richard Garza, Director of Monterey County Military and Veterans Affairs Office, has assisted countless constituents with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Today, Richard begins his retirement, but he will always continue to be an advocate for the men and women who've worn our nation's uniform. Richard Garza was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1948. In 1961, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and has been a California resident since. From 1968 to 1970, Richard was drafted and served in the United States Army. After his period of service, he continued his education. He received a Bachelor's of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Science from California State University, San Francisco and a Master's of Public Administration from California State University, Hayward. Richard began his public service career in 1974 as a Benefits Counselor and Program Administrator with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. In 1980, he continued serving veterans as the Veterans Service Officer of Sonoma County. Since 2003, Richard has been with the Military and Veterans Affairs Office of Monterey County. As Director of the county office, he has assisted veterans with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and welcomed home returning troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. Moreover, Richard is the first individual in the State of California to become a Certified Veterans Advocate through the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Madam Speaker, Richard Garza has dedicated his life to taking care of our veterans and troops. I know I speak for the whole House when I both commend him for his dedication to public service and congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a modern agriculture pioneer, Mr. Bill Ramsey of Salinas, California, on the occasion of his recognition by the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California with its E.E. ``Gene'' Harden Award for Lifetime Achievement. Bill is a quiet, unassuming, and humble man. One would know by looking at him that he is a giant among men for his business and civic leadership. Beginning in the 1960s, when he assumed key leadership positions within the Mann Packing produce company, Bill helped lead the growth of the U.S. fresh produce industry. Alongside his business partner and friend, the late Don Nucci, Bill helped expand the U.S. market for broccoli and all manner of value added and ready to eat fresh produce. If you have ever eaten broccoli, you can credit Bill's leadership with helping to get it to your plate fresh, safe, and at a reasonable price. Mr. Ramsey's peers in the agricultural industry have recognized him in several ways. Mr. Ramsey served as both the Chairman of the Board of Western Growers Association and as President of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. Mr. Ramsey has also been honored as the Salinas Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer, as well as receiving the Harden Award which recognizes leadership qualities, devotion to the betterment of the agricultural industry, community service, and those with a high level of ethics and integrity. Mr. Ramsey's devotion to his community goes well beyond the agricultural aspects. His contributions to the community of Salinas include being the President of the Salinas City School District Board of Trustees, Founder and Chairman of Valley of the World Awards for the National Steinbeck Center, Director of the California Rodeo, Distinguished Fellow (Agriculture) of CSU Monterey Bay, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Sun Street Center, and Salinas Rotary (Rotarian of the Year). Bill Ramsey has also honored his country by serving in the United States Navy. Madam Speaker, I hope my fellow members of the House will join me in honoring Bill Ramsey for his many contributions to the agricultural industry, his local community, and his country. And while Bill will not hesitate to credit those around him for his success, it is appropriate that our Nation recognize what an important contribution that he has made to our health, economy, and culture.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Thank you, Congressman Garamendi. It was such a pleasure serving with you in the California legislature when we adopted a lot of legislation dealing with handling oil. Tonight I would like to share with you essentially a tale of two States, States that are both oil-producing States, States that both have offshore oil drilling, and those two States are California and Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, the comparison here is one that essentially I really want to ask Governor Jindal: Ask not what the Federal Government can do for Louisiana, but what Louisiana should be doing for its own constituency, as California has done for its constituency, knowing that we have an oil economy, somewhat of an oil economy in the State, and certainly an offshore oil economy. The comparison is this. Both States have an oil response. California has a strong law on oil response. Louisiana has a very weak law on oil response. Why? That is something that Louisiana ought to correct. The California statute has stations throughout California, places to clean up wildlife. It is paid for, it is implemented. It is essentially large, wildlife veterinary hospitals. The one in my district, you could even bring a small whale in there and operate on it. Louisiana has no such network, no such program, and no such allocation of resources. Another big disability, big difference between the two, liability caps. Louisiana has a cap on liability. California has no cap on damages. Louisiana has a cap on damages. When you and I and our colleague, Jackie Speier, who has joined us here, were all members of the State legislature, I authored legislation that you sponsored to put a strict liability on oil spills in California, a remarkable law. There is strict liability that has no cap on damages under State law. Louisiana, being a friend of the oil companies, puts caps on damages. They are not asking for that cap right now, they are asking it to be raised. The big difference number three between California and Louisiana, both offshore oil drilling States, is civil and criminal penalties. California sets up involved civil and criminal penalties, a whole section of law. Louisiana has no civil or criminal penalties. Louisiana, come on. If you are going to cry now where is the Federal Government when you have a problem, why haven't you risen to the occasion? California has had that law in place since 1990. Your law was enacted in 1991 with no teeth. It is about time you took responsibility for putting some teeth into your State law. Lastly, what both States have is a Coastal Zone Management Act created by the Federal Government. There is a nifty provision in that act. It is called consistency provision. What that means is the State can review any proposal to do offshore oil drilling, whether it is in Federal waters or State waters. And as long as you have an adopted plan and that plan can explain why you should condition that oil drilling, or even deny that oil drilling in Federal waters, you have the power at the State level to do that. We in California have used that power and prevented the Federal Government from expanding its offshore oil drilling. We are going further now with the bill that Mr. Garamendi has because we realize that drilling for oil off coast is high risk and low gain. You really don't get a lot out of it. And the risk we can see in spades from what is happening in the gulf right now. So Louisiana, don't cry for what the Federal Government is not doing, cry for yourself as to what you are not doing to help your own constituency, put teeth in the laws that would allow you to deny those offshore oil drilling rigs, to put conditions on those offshore oil drilling rigs, to allow you to have the money to clean up the mess and help the wildlife, to put teeth in the penalties and to raise those caps. So we want to see our coastal States have a strong law. And most of all, we think if you really look at it, we shouldn't be drilling offshore at all. Lastly, I want to change the issue because one of it is about money. There is money that comes into the Federal Treasury from offshore oil drilling. It produces $23.2 billion; $23.2 billion. Out of that, Congress has authorized the expenditure of about $5 billion in five programs: American Indian tribes get some of that money; historic preservation gets some of that money; lands and water conservation fund which is essentially land more than water, it is on land not offshore, get some of that money; the reclamation fund gets some of the money; and there are two funds that go back to the States. But out of the $23 billion fund, $5 billion, less than 20 percent, is spent. Where does the rest of it go, into the United States Treasury. And guess what, all of that money made from offshore oil drilling and not a penny spent on the ocean. We have a big source of income that the United States Government can use to start with renewable resources, start investing in the oceans, and create an ocean fund and ocean governance plan so it isn't chaos at sea, it is a planned, organized, smart way to use the ocean, just like we have learned smart ways to use the land. I commend you on your bill and on your work, and thank you for inviting me to be here tonight.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I'm a proud lifelong member of the NAACP, and today I join my colleagues in celebrating its 101st anniversary. The Monterey County Branch of the NAACP was created in 1932. Our chapter now ranks as one of the largest per capita branches in the United States and has been active in education and law--and we're all better for it. In 1947, the Fort Ord Army training base in Seaside, CA--one of the largest bases in the U.S.--was the first military base in the United States to be integrated. As we recognize the great achievements of one of America's finest organizations, let us not forget that the struggle continues. Our country was founded on the ideal of equality for all, with the self- evident right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination. I want to thank the NAACP for 101 years of hard work. You've made America a stronger and better nation. I especially want to thank my constituent, Ben Jealous, now the youngest national president of the NAACP. Your work continues, but we congratulate you on this historic day.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as co-chair of the Congressional Tourism Caucus to remind this Nation that we should not let an oil spill ruin our vacation. Disasters drive people away from wherever there is a disastrous incident. In the Gulf States, local tourism is suffering from it. It's suffering from the greatest oil spill in American history. Mr. President, when you address the Nation tonight, I hope you will urge them to visit the Gulf States to shore up the local economy and have BP pay for that tourism promotion. I urge you to have the coastal State Governors support a regional tourism plan for the Gulf States for this summer, for now, immediately. A disaster of this proportion is a disaster of national significance. It's time that we as a Nation respond by spending our money and our time in those communities most affected. God bless America. Let's promote tourism.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Federico's Drive In Shoe Service, a local icon in my Central Coast Congressional District, on its 70th anniversary. Since 1940, Federico's has served the Monterey Bay area with exemplary craftsmanship, the highest quality materials, and quick and efficient service. Charles Federico began his career at the age of fourteen. The young apprentice was assigned to the shoe shine stand for his first two years, and then graduated to replacing heels. Within ten years he had purchased his first store, handling shoe repair in one corner and selling fishing gear in another. His business, then called Franklin Shoe Repair, expanded quickly; in 1957 he added the extra convenience of a drive-up window to his Monterey store which greatly increased the volume of business, and he also opened a second shop on the former Fort Ord Army Base. He paid particular attention to shop appearance, workmanship, merchandising and shop management. In 1958 he won the National Leather and Shoe Finders Association National Silver Cup Contest, as being the best shoe repair store in America. Over the years he and his son, Henry, have won 27 local and regional industry awards. Members of my family have patronized Federico's shop for decades, and many of their customers cite their outstanding product knowledge and customer service as reasons for their loyalty. Charles is now ninety- three and his son, Henry, runs the shop. They have branched out into engraving trophies and sewing logo merchandise. Their employees carry on the traditions that won them the Silver Cup so many years ago. Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues join me in wishing Federico's a very happy 70th Anniversary, and many more to come.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution, which I sponsored with many other Members of Congress. And I would first of all like to thank the committee and the leadership they provided in a bipartisan fashion to bring this bill to the floor. As has been stated, the ocean is our largest public trust. It covers two-thirds of the planet. It's responsible for one-third of the total gross domestic product of the United States. It is closely linked to our day-to-day activities and, frankly, to the success of our Nation. Tom Friedman said, ``A crisis is a terrible thing to waste.'' We cannot let the crisis that has happened in the gulf pass us by. We've faced disasters in this country before, and we have moved to act. After Rachel Carson wrote ``Silent Spring'' in 1962, and the Santa Barbara oil spill happened in 1969, the environmental movement took a strong hold in the United States. Congress followed up by adopting the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act in short order. We will debate the acts that we have to take following the crisis in the gulf, but today we are joined in unanimous thought that the ocean is important, and it warrants its recognition. We might say it's a very salty week here in Washington. June is the National Oceans Month. This week is the Capitol Hill Oceans Week, where members of the ocean interests and science community come to Washington to petition their government. And yesterday was World Ocean Day. For over a month now, the Nation has been experiencing the worst marine disaster in history. World Ocean Day was first recognized in 1992's Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, and has been celebrated unofficially ever since. The United Nations took official recognition of the day last year. I am proud to lead the effort here in Congress this year. The resolution that we are adopting emphasizes we have an individual and collective duty, both nationally and internationally, to be ocean stewards. The resolution also petitions the President to set priorities using his Ocean Policy Task Force. I will continue in my role as representing the coast of California and one of the marine science leading geography areas in the world of marine science to bring to this floor issues important to the ocean. But right now I want to join my colleagues in celebrating that we all agree that it's important to recognize the oceans.

Mr. FARR. I appreciate the support for this bill on both sides of the aisle. I would just like to address that although the resolved clause is very simple, it recognizes for the first time that Congress recognizes for the first time that we ought to recognize a day when the whole world is trying to recognize the ocean. I mean, it does cover two- thirds of our planet, and it is very important to the ecosystem and the health and well-being of mankind to have a healthy ocean. And that's, you know, in a way, as the minority speaker said, that's not a big deal when there's a huge crisis going on, but it's the first time Congress has recognized the ocean in that sense. So it is important as a first step. I think what's more important and answers some of the questions that you raise, not just the questions of cleanup in the gulf but a much bigger question that a lot of us in Congress have been asking, is: Where is our national ocean policy? We have had policy about clean water and how we want to govern that and set up a process for determining how we can ensure that water that we drink and that we disperse into the oceans is clean. We have national policy on air quality of the air we breathe, but we have no national policy on health of the oceans or even use of the oceans for fishing, for mining, for other kinds of purposes. And that is what's lacking. We're governing in a crisis because we have an oil spill. And what I respect the committee in doing in their unanimous consent is looking at these ``whereases'' in this bill that really calls for these bigger policies so that we don't get into this problematic area, kind of going at things blindly. And I think that's what really the importance is here. This bill coming at this time--it was introduced before the oil spill began but certainly has developed a lot of popularity because people want to say, Yes, we do recognize the oceans. And I think this is a first start for Congress to really look at a comprehensive package of issues. We can go into the debates, going to get into a lot of things you heard today. But it's very important that we together, in a unanimous, bipartisan way, look at the fact that the ocean is a very critical resource to the well-being of the world, much less the well-being of the United States. And I appreciate the bipartisan support to bring this bill to the floor, and I ask that we have a unanimous vote on it.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sister Julie Hyer, O.P., whose faith, benevolence and business savvy has served the County of Santa Cruz since 1985. As President and Chief Executive Officer she was instrumental in guiding Dominican Hospital for 22 years and Salud Para La Gente for the past two years, resulting in exceptional service and growth for both of these health care agencies. At Dominican Hospital, Sister Julie sat at the helm of Santa Cruz County's largest health care facility when it implemented numerous programs such as their Infant Hearing Assessment program, Occupational Rehabilitation, and the ShareCare Health Plan for Older Adults, ensuring that patients are cared for through every stage of their lives. Other services, such as Dominican's Tattoo Removal Program which gives former gang members a chance to start a new phase of their lives, reflect Sister Julie's all-embracing approach to the health of our community. Under Sister Julie's leadership, Salud Para La Gente, which translates in English as `Health For The People,' has grown into the county's leading provider of health care services to the low-income families of Santa Cruz County. Salud has won awards for its many programs, including well-child visits, adolescent well-care, monitoring of patients on persistent ACE inhibitors, breast and cervical cancer screening, appropriate use of asthma medications, and diabetes screening. Salud won many grants, including federal stimulus funding this year, used to create new space that will house pediatrics, general medical practices, dental and vision facilities, as well as hire two more physicians. The laurels of her tenure are as numerous as they are invaluable. They are the realization of Sister Julie's faith in action and a testament to the power of earnest and solemn goodwill. Madam Speaker, for all that she has done and all that she will undoubtedly continue to do, I extend my most sincere thanks and warmest wishes to Sister Julie as she goes to her next assignment.