Sam Farr

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, with today's vote on the ``Tax Relief Act of 2005'' (H.R. 4297) conference report, the Congressional Republican Leadership is planning, once again, to give huge tax cuts to the wealthiest one percent of Americans, while leaving 99 percent of Americans with little to no tax relief, a federal government hamstrung by deficits and a future generation saddled with monstrous debt. I would like to insert into the record a chart from the Tax Policy Center that outlines how much Americans would actually save under this bill. These numbers clearly spell out the priorities of this Republican Leadership:

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 90, Conveying the Sympathy of Congress to the Families of the Young Women Murdered in the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, and Encouraging Increased United States Involvement in Bringing an End to These Crimes. I am a cosponsor to this important resolution and would like to thank Representative Solis for introducing this legislation. For over thirteen years, a stones throw from the U.S. border, almost 400 women and young teenagers have been brutally assaulted and murdered. A disgraceful number of these murders have still not been resolved and many perpetrators still roam free, attacking other innocent women. Family members of murdered women have worked tirelessly to try to bring justice to their daughters, wives and sisters. They have often faced great odds and opposition from local Mexican officials, yet have continued to fight for the truth and work to try to prevent future atrocities by bringing the rule of law to Cuidad Juarez and Chihuahua. My heart goes out to these families for their losses, and I urge the FBI, the U.S. State Department and all levels of the government of Mexico to reinvigorate their efforts and work to do all that is possible to bring justice and closure to these horrible tragedies.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to give voice to those who are silent: the many youth in our high schools and middle schools who are afraid to speak out of their place in our society because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex or questioning their sexual identity. Today marks the 10th National Day of Silence in which we celebrate the diversity in our society, but acknowledge a deep-seated intolerance toward that diversity. In my district, several efforts are being made to turn the intolerance into tolerance. The Watsonville YMCA has added a group called Latinas y Lesbianas y Aliadas. It is one of the few programs in the Nation dedicated to reaching out to the Spanish-speaking community, which has not historically had access to such support systems. I hope this becomes a national movement. I am also proud to represent several Shoreline Middle School eighth graders who have been nominated for the Queer Youth Leadership Awards. These brave students have worked to end homophobia and discrimination, making their school or community a safer place for people of all walks of life. These students are joined by their families, but should not be alone in their efforts. For this reason, I join my colleague Eliot Engel in cosponsoring H. Con. Res. 86 which memorializes the National Day of Silence and encourages each State or local jurisdiction to adopt laws to prohibit discrimination and harassment against persons of alternative sexual orientation.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional courage demonstrated by Officer Carter Jones, Reserve Officer Scott Christie, and Deputy Stefan Fish on February 2, 2006. The circumstance in which this heroic act was carried out is indeed incredible and it is my privilege to honor the selfless actions these officers performed. On February 2, 2006, these three individuals assisted in a pursuit of a wanted parolee trying to evade arrest. The wanted parolee was driving a stolen vehicle and had an extensive criminal history, including weapon and narcotic violations. Officer Jones and Reserve Officer Christie pursued the suspect as he dangerously attempted to evade arrest. Eventually the suspect crashed head-on into another vehicle, engulfing it in flames and pinning his own vehicle against the victim's car. The suspect had managed to escape from his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. The initial officers on the scene physically apprehended the suspect, despite his continued efforts to resist their arrest. They removed the suspect from the area due to the intense heat of the burning vehicle, only to return moments later to rescue the victims. Deputy Fish attempted to open the victim's cars doors but could not due to its precarious position. As smoke quickly filled the car, Deputy Fish used his baton to smash the rear window. Immediately, Deputy Fish, Officer Jones, and Reserve Officer Christie rushed in and successfully evacuated two children; a 7-year-old girl and her 5-year-old sister; and two adults. Mr. Speaker, Officer Jones, Reserve Officer Christie, and Deputy Fish risked their lives to rescue four innocent people. Without their quick response under extreme emergency conditions, this incident could have turned deadly. Their exceptional efforts are admirable and I applaud them for their courage and dedication under pressure.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Eshoo and I rise today to honor the 109th Anniversary of the Abalone Connection, a treasured connection between two Pacific regions, the Monterey Bay and Minamiboso of the Boso Peninsula of Japan. Both regions are centrally located on the Pacific Coasts of their respective regions and share not only the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Rim, but also the abalone fishing culture and the business that developed because of the abundant marine life found in the sea along their coastlines. In 1897, Gennosuke and Nakajiro Kodani of Minamiboso, and Alexander M. Allan of Monterey partnered to create the first successful deep- water abalone diving business in the East Pacific. Mr. Allan firmly defended his Japanese partners and employees through the tense period of anti-Japanese sentiment in California during the early part of the 20th century. Their partnership brought a steady stream of highly skilled Minamiboso abalone divers back and forth across the Pacific, bringing Japanese technology and culture to the Monterey Bay Region and taking back American culture to Japan. Furthering the connection between Monterey Bay and Japan, in the 1990s, historians on both sides of the Pacific began reconnecting the ties between the Monterey Bay Region and Minamiboso that were interrupted by World War II. In recognition of these connections, on September 3, 2005, the citizens of the Boso Peninsula held a Symposium, titled ``A Bridge Across the Pacific: The Spirit Connecting the Southern Boso Peninsula and Monterey Bay, California,'' which was dedicated to ``giving a peaceful world to our children''. It exemplified the ongoing historic relationship of cooperation begun by the Gennosuke and Nakajiro Kodani and Alexander M. Allan. Inspired by the Boso Peninsula Symposium, a group of Monterey Bay Region residents decided to hold a similar celebration in Monterey, California to celebrate the 109th anniversary of the connections between the Boso Peninsula and the Monterey Bay Region, as well as the contributions made by the citizens of each region to the history of the other. Mr. Speaker, we're proud to honor the Abalone Connection as it celebrates its 109th anniversary. After more than a century, the Abalone Connection remains a source of pride for the Monterey Bay Region.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I am very concerned about Iran's nuclear power program. I am extremely opposed to any attempts by the Administration to preemptively strike Iran. We must work multilaterally to bring Iran back to the negotiation table and into compliance with the Nonproliferation Treaty. While the government of Iran continues to defy international pressure to conform to the NPT, unilateral military action against Iran is not the solution. The repercussions and unintended consequences of a U.S. military attack on Iran are terrifying to contemplate. I personally do not believe that a military strike on Iran would advance U.S. or regional security. I am afraid it could create a backlash against the U.S. that would be a more serious threat than a nuclear Iran. Congress has the constitutional responsibility to debate the commitment of troops or military action, and the obligation to the American people to have an up or down vote before the Administration takes any steps towards military engagement. The solution to the Iranian problem lies in diplomacy. The Administration needs to work with other members of the U.N. Security Council and gain a strong coalition of support for a diplomatic solution. I urge my colleagues to join me in calling on the Administration to find peaceful means of ensuring Iran's compliance with the NPT.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and congratulate Mr. John Wheeler of Carmel, California. Next week, Mr. Wheeler will be honored as the Small Business Person of the Year for California. Mr. Wheeler has succeeded through ingenuity and hard work to turn Peninsula Pure Water, Inc., into a very successful business in 8 short years. With the help of a Small Business Administration-backed loan, Mr. Wheeler bought a bottled water company in 1998 with just 50 customer accounts and 70 daily local deliveries and grew the operation into a business with 24,000 customers, and a net income of $275,000. Beyond his resourcefulness and sheer determination, Mr. Wheeler has shown himself to be a model employer, personally training all new hires and offering to pay half of their tuition costs if they attend college. Small businesses continue to be the engine of both the Californian and U.S. economies. The success of entrepreneurial businessman like Mr. Wheeler reminds everyone that the American dream is still alive and well. I again congratulate Mr. Wheeler on his well-deserved award as the Californian Small Business Person of the year and wish him much success as he continues to expand Peninsula Pure Water, Inc.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible career of one of my constituents, Jean Burns Slater, of Hollister. Jean is retiring as superintendent of San Benito High School after a 34-year career in education. I believe that education is critical to the strength of our Nation. The children who are in our schools now will be leading our country before we know it. I am grateful to Jean for her hard work in this department. In Jean's 3\1/2\ years as superintendent of San Benito High School, she has made great improvements to the district and kept a strong focus on the well-being of her students. She has improved the lines of communication between the district, staff, students and the community. She has brought about the introduction of a leadership team and a superintendent's advisory council for parents who choose to take an active role in their children's education. She understands that the people in the community need to have a voice in the education of their youth, and she is confident that this has been achieved in her district. In addition to this, Jean has worked with the board of trustees to improve the health of her students through the introduction of a new wellness policy which includes strict dietary reform. Reform such as this throughout the district will not only help to curb the growing childhood obesity rate, but will also help to improve the performance of students in the classroom. I believe the central coast is an ideal area for the implementation of a policy of this type. We produce an abundance of fresh produce within our district and if students are eating what we are growing right here at home, complying with these new regulations will be a simple, healthy undertaking. I commend Jean on her contributions to her district and her tireless efforts to improve the quality of life for the children who are the future of our country.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedicated work and inspiring courage of Curtis Reliford. Mr. Reliford's life story reflects the best of the American Spirit and reveals the incredible generosity to our nation's people. Mr. Reliford experienced a troubled youth in his native Louisiana. In his early years, he was lured down the self destructive, illusionary path of drugs, alcohol, and money, all resulting in dead ends and unhappiness. Twenty one years ago, after much contemplation and perseverance, Curtis decided to move to California, with the hope of creating a better life for himself. In Santa Cruz, CA Curtis has found himself by aiding those who need a hand. He is an active member of the NAACP, and created his own business as a landscaper, a skill he used, and will continue to use, in Hurricane destroyed New Orleans. Through strong determination, great self-sacrifice, and enduring dedication, Mr. Reliford began his long healing process. He believes, and has proven, his calling to aid those who require and ask for assistance. The fruits of Mr. Reliford's life transformation have been truly spectacular, not only benefiting our local community, but touching people's lives on a national level. Mr. Reliford is a small business owner and has started a non-profit community support group ``Brothers teaching Brother.'' Most recently, Mr. Reliford has turned his sights back on his native Louisiana. Due to his selflessness, Curtis has been awarded the Jefferson Award from the County of Santa Cruz. His commitment to the assistance of others is inspiring. He also shows no signs of stopping. After witnessing the devastating destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Reliford, inspired by his daughter's proclamation of ``Daddy, you can do anything!'' decided to focus his nurturing spirit on the people devastated by Katrina. He began taking donations in Downtown Santa Cruz, in order to raise funds for those who lost their homes. Enough was collected to make a life altering trip down to Louisiana. Mr. Reliford has now completed three relief trips to the Gulf Coast, but he believes his work will not be complete until every person who lost their home receives full assistance. Mr. Reliford is setting up a new organization, ``Follow Your Heart Action Network'', dedicated to bringing continued help to people in the South. Mr. Speaker, it is people like Curtis Reliford that make the United States the great country that it is, and it's truly an honor for me to represent individuals like Mr. Reliford. The service of local members of the community is an asset to this nation, and I applaud Mr. Reliford's contributions. Curtis Reliford's dedication to advancing the condition of human welfare throughout our nation has had a positive impact on countless individuals, and for that reason I rise in honoring him.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I would like to express my strong objection to the House Republican Leadership combining two separate emergency supplementals into a single bill. The response to Hurricane Katrina and the Iraqi war deserve separate debates and significant oversight and deliberation. The human suffering that our neighbors along the Gulf Coast experienced and continue to experience seven months later cannot be underestimated. It will take a sustained federal and state, public and private commitment to help those affected get back on their feet. While I support a long-term reconstruction of the Gulf region, I cannot in good conscience vote for this bill. I strongly believe we need better oversight of supplemental funding bills, particularly those that fund ``the long war.'' There were excellent amendments offered on the floor today that I supported that should have passed if Congress had been exercising its Constitutional oversight role. For instance, I supported an Iraqi contracting amendment and one to prevent permanent bases in Iraq. We cannot become occupiers. On this third anniversary of the war, our soldiers, our national guard, their families and all Americans deserve better than platitudes from the Administration. I have repeatedly called for greater Congressional oversight and an exit strategy, while recognizing that our troops have done an excellent job, despite often lacking sufficient body armor or equipment. I welcome the President's statements that troops will be drawn down by the end of the year, but I believe that our soldiers are being placed in an untenable situation, and need to be brought home as soon as possible.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition today to H. Con. Res. 354. Last year, students at the University of California at Santa Cruz in my district organized a demonstration protesting the Department of Defense's ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy and the presence of military recruiters to campus. How did DOD respond? They sent someone to spy on the protest and deemed the participants, students exercising their constitutional rights, a ``credible threat''! . Our country was founded on the principle that its citizens have the authority to disagree with their government. As Edward R. Murrow said, ``We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty.'' Unwarranted domestic spying is the kind of extreme DOD reaction that concerns me if military recruiters are allowed unfettered access to campuses across the Nation. The Republican leadership may be eager to endorse the recent Supreme Court decision requiring higher education institutions to provide access to a Government agency that practices blatant discriminatory practices, but my constituents and I are not. Conditional Federal funding may be constitutional, but discrimination in all practices should not be. Congress should be working to encourage civil rights and non- discriminatory practices, not endorsing a decision that forces universities to disregard their own values and the constitutional rights of their students. Equating equal opportunity employers with a Government agency that abides by the discriminatory ``Don't ask, don't tell'' policy is unreasonable and unjust. I urge a ``no'' vote on this resolution.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Monterey Civic Club which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Monterey Civic Club was founded in 1906 with the purpose of working to improve, beautify and promote the welfare of Monterey and help preserve its rich history. Looking back, I would like to applaud the work they have done over the past 100 years, and I look forward to the work they will continue to undertake in the next 100 years. The Monterey Civic Club is located in the ``House of the Four Winds'', a historic adobe built in the 1830s by Thomas Oliver Larkin, the first and only American Consul to Alta California. This house has undergone many uses, including: a store under Governor Alvarado during the American occupation, headquarters for Secretary of State H.W. Halleck, and the location of the first Hall of Records for the State of California. The Monterey Civic Club bought this historic adobe in 1914 and restored it. Today, ``The House of the Four Winds'' is home to what is believed to be the oldest women's clubhouse in continuous use in the United States. Since its inception, the Monterey Civic Club has undertaken several projects and donated thousands of dollars to local charities dedicated to improving the quality of life in Monterey. Among its accomplishments are: building a bridge over muddy Del Monte Avenue in 1907, participating in adobe tours, maintaining and preserving the historic ``House of the Four Winds'', and the paintings and articles of historical significance located therein. Another of the club's beneficial endeavors is the lively and traditional ``El Baile de Los Cascarones,'' a pre-Lent ``Cascarone Ball'' held annually since 1939. The ticket sales from this traditional Spanish ball go to local charities and maintenance of the adobe. Mr. Speaker, it is organizations like the Monterey Civic Club, with their dedication to preserving and improving the character of our local communities that make life unique in this vast and beautiful nation of ours. A distinct sense of identity is created by building upon local heritage, creating pride in the community. It is this sense of local pride that influences people to get involved in their communities, initiating the type of citizen service that our democracy depends on. The Monterey Civic Club's 100th anniversary is a commendable achievement, and I salute the club's numerous accomplishments.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Not This Time Vets, a Santa Cruz County organization dedicated to ensuring the well being of veterans, both from previous and current conflicts. The organization was created in response to the indifference and hostility Vietnam soldiers faced as part of the Nation's criticism of the war. A non- profit organization, Not This Time Vets is committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of veterans in Santa Cruz County as well as show appreciation for citizens currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world. Not This Time Vets has demonstrated its appreciation to our veterans by drawing attention to their honorable service as well as advocating on their behalf in regard to preserving veterans' benefits and programs. For the estimated 18,000 veterans in Santa Cruz County, Not This Time Vets works to pay tribute to military service through organizing celebrations, informational events and advocating for effective veterans' support policies. On May 21, 2005, Not This Time Vets sponsored a parade in Santa Cruz, which drew an estimated crowd of 2,000 people. Those in attendance enthusiastically showed their support for veterans of all eras. While Americans may differ in their view of current and previous conflicts, we all need to honor the young men and woman serving this country, past and present. This is a universal point of agreement that Not This Time Vets keeps front and center. Mr. Speaker, we know military service is a valuable and difficult sacrifice. Organizations like Not This Time Vets provide important services to our communities and veterans by providing a forum through which recognition, respect and appreciation can be demonstrated to those who have served our country. While no gesture could ever remove the scars inflicted by war, Not This Time Vets hopes to heal those physical and emotional wounds by publicly recognizing their service and bringing to light the tribulations they still endure. I applaud Not This Time Vets for the services they have provided to veterans in our community and their intentions to spread their message of healing and appreciation throughout the country.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to S. 2271, the PATRIOT Act Amendments. James Madison, our 4th President, said, ``I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.'' The PATRIOT Act and its subsequent amendments are exactly what the ``Father of the Constitution'' was talking about. Democracy means the ``common people rule''. And the ``common people'' of the 17th district have proclaimed that Americans should not have to compromise their civil liberties in order to combat extremism. The local governments of Pacific Grove, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Watsonville, California have all passed resolutions expressing their concerns with the anti-privacy and anti-liberty nature of the PATRIOT Act. As we promote democracy at other countries, should we not ourselves be practicing and preserving democracy within our own society? Madam Speaker, I urge a no vote on the PATRIOT Act amendments.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, the week of February 27 to March 3 is Peace Corps week and on March 1st we celebrated the 45th Anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corps. Over the last 45 years Peace Corps has become one of our nation's premier international assistance programs that has focused on helping communities and individuals help themselves. I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Medellin, Colombia in the mid- 1960s and I can say definitively that it was a life changing experience. During my two years in Colombia, I learned that the most sustainable type of development was when locals were empowered to create their own development. I therefore worked on educating and assisting my Colombian colleagues, neighbors and friends on how to petition their local governments and make positive changes in their own lives. In the years since I returned from Colombia thousands of Americans have served as Peace Corps Volunteers. Each of these volunteers has made a difference, large or small, in the lives of hundreds of people across the globe. Person-to-person relationships like those built by PCVs are key to greater understanding--greater American understanding of other cultures, and greater understanding of Americans by other cultures. In this time of increasing tension between countries, now more than ever, we need programs like the Peace Corps. I urge my colleagues to support the President's FY 07 request for the Peace Corps at $337 million. We need to robustly fund Peace Corps so that during the next 45 years, Peace Corps Volunteers can continue to make a positive difference in countries all over the world. I wish the Peace Corps a very happy 45th anniversary.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend one of my constituents, Ms. Colleen Crosby, of Santa Cruz, California who, on Sunday, March 5, will receive the ``Lifetime Achievement Award'' from the International Women in Coffee Alliance (IWCA). I cannot imagine another person more deserving than Colleen to receive this award. Colleen is one of those rare individuals that has combined a deep compassion for others with the intelligence and drive to make a true difference in the world. Colleen has been a true leader in raising awareness of, and offering effective solutions to, the International Coffee Crisis--a crisis that affected 25 million people in some of the poorest countries in the world. Colleen co-founded Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company in 1978 and in 1979 became the first Roastmistress on California's Central Coast. In her travels to coffee producing countries in Central and South America and Africa she encountered abject poverty and an economic system that kept small coffee farmers in a vicious cycle of poverty. Being the ``active activist,'' Colleen jumped headfirst into finding ways to help coffee farmers and cooperatives throughout the world. Colleen found that fair trade certification--a certification process that guarantees farmers a fair price for their coffee beans--was the most effective way of improving the lives of coffee farmers. Colleen's record for helping coffee farmers and promoting fair trade coffee is extremely impressive. Colleen has worked with small farmers and cooperatives around the world and helped them gain better market access for their coffee, thus ensuring a better livelihood for themselves and their children. I asked Colleen to testify before the House International Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere on the coffee crisis, where she educated Members of Congress on the importance of helping coffee farmers. Besides the Lifetime Achievement Award from IWCA, Colleen has also received a variety of commendations, including a letter of ``Special Thanks and Commendation'' for ``the extraordinary warmth and spirit on behalf of the people of Ethiopia,'' presented by His Excellency Teruheh Zenna, Acting Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations in October, 2005; being named Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year 2005; being presented with the Gold Medallion of Brotherhood by the small coffee farmers of Nicaragua's Prodecoop; and most recently, she is the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Women in Coffee Alliance. I congratulate Colleen on a lifetime of dedication to others. She truly has made the world a better place and it has been an absolute pleasure and honor to know her.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today for some very good news. It is news the history of this country's anniversary of the Peace Corps. When I was a college student, I was really impressed that the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, had asked the people of this country to ask what they could do for their country, not what the country could do for them. And since then, people have been joining the Peace Corps. In fact, 182,000 people have served in the Peace Corps, serving in over 138 countries. Now, why is it so important to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Peace Corps? Well, in the first case, we just recently heard from General Abizaid, who is the supreme commander in the Middle East, that peace can never be obtained until Americans learn to cross the cultural divide. A very profound statement from a warrior. I ask those persons in the United States who want to help sustain the peace in this world to join the Peace Corps. It will be the greatest job, hardest job you have ever enjoyed. I did it when I was a young college student. I invite others at any age to join today. Americans have served as a testament to this country. I hope they will continue for many years.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of rising this evening to honor Cynthia Mathews, a dedicated member of our community who recently retired after 40 years of service with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte organization. I have had the pleasure of working with Cynthia for many of those years and I can attest to her commitment to our community as well as her steadfast support of civil liberties that will continue to protect women's health. In 1965, Cynthia began her involvement with Planned Parenthood as a volunteer in San Diego County. She later served as both staff and board member of the organization. She was instrumental in ensuring the well- being of young mothers by organizing an abortion referral service to Mexico prior to the Therapeutic Abortion Act of 1967. After moving to Santa Cruz in 1970, Cynthia was instrumental in forming Planned Parenthood of Santa Cruz County, where she served as the agency's first executive director. After a brief absence during which she gave birth to her second child, she rejoined the organization in 1979. Cynthia guided the growing affiliate to eventually become part of Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, a network that includes much of California and Nevada. Officially, she was a part-time public affairs staff member, however, all who know her were aware that she worked well beyond her outlined duties. Cynthia actively built coalitions, engaged volunteers, sustained Planned Parenthood's community presence, and protected the civil liberties and health of her community. Beyond Planned Parenthood, Cynthia's outstanding reputation as a public figure and liberal activist is strengthened by her tireless dedication to the City of Santa Cruz. Ms. Mathews has served as a city council member, a founding member of the Downtown Neighbors Association, a member of the Planning Commission and Zoning Board, a participant in Vision Santa Cruz, a cochair of the Santa Cruz High Centennial Campaign, and a volunteer on four successful election campaigns for schools and municipal revenues. She now holds the seat of Mayor of Santa Cruz. Through her involvement in these organizations she has positively affected the quality of life for many residents in our community. She is an ideal role model for those who seek to create change through activism and I am honored to have worked with her throughout the many positions she has held. Though Cynthia has retired from her official position with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, her position as Mayor will allow me to continue to work with her to support and strengthen our community and ensure that women have safe access to quality reproductive healthcare. Mr. Speaker, in a time where women's health and medical care is threatened by budget deficits and a conservative agenda, I am immensely thankful for Cynthia's selfless service. I am confident that her legacy will continue as the women she has mentored take up the torch and encourage a new generations of voters to honor their promise to America's women.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, Hamas maintains and asserts a radical, violent ideology within its charter--the destruction of Israel. I believe that S. Con. Res. 79, which reaffirms that no U.S. funds should go to the Palestinian Authority if the majority party maintains a position calling for the destruction of Israel, is a good first step in creating a more peaceful region. Voting in support of this Resolution is not a hard choice. But harder choices and questions lay ahead. Should we choose a knee- jerk reaction that cuts off all communication, as well as all assistance to the Palestinian people? The alternative is taking a deep breath and reflecting on more constructive ways to bring about a long- term, sustainable peace within the region, while maintaining our opposition to a political party that supports the idea of the destruction of another nation. The reasons behind Hamas's victory are complicated. Polling data continues to show that the majority of Palestinians want peace and believe in a two-state solution. Palestinians are tired of a corrupt government and are exhausted by living in poverty. The U.S. Government's actions should not feed these root causes of Palestinian discontent. In fact, we should be supportive of efforts to mitigate these problems, including continued support for NGO-run humanitarian assistance. This path of moderation, I believe, will help bring more security to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, and some day a Palestinian State. Silence does not create peace and we shouldn't turn our backs on the Middle East and push all Palestinians down a path of isolation and extremism. The U.S. and Israel must remain engaged and push for a peace process that supports moderate Palestinian voices and peaceful leaders and urge Hamas to conduct itself as a legitimate political authority by renouncing the ideology of the destruction of Israel. I urge Hamas to change its charter and urge the U.S. State Department to choose peace.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph Stroud, a Californian poet that has received the prestigious Witter Bynner fellowship award. The fellowship, funded by the Witter Bynner Foundation for Poetry, was developed in 1972 to promote the art of poetry and encourage grants that illuminate the positive effects that poetry has on society. As part of the fellowship, the two recipients are asked to organize a local poetry event as well as attend a poetry reading at the Library of Congress. Stroud has contributed tremendously to the art, and it is fitting that we mention him today. He began his distinguished career as a professor of poetry and English at Cabrillo College in 1969 and for 35 years inspired the minds of many young and eager writers. Yet it was not until late that his literary prowess exploded on the cultural scene with the publication of his third book of poetry Below Cold Mountain. Stroud, who resides in Santa Cruz, California and Shay Creek in the Sierra Nevada, has also been active in the social diffusion of poetry locally while co-hosting KUSP's ``Poetry Show''. Stroud's work encompasses various typologies of poetry from short- line form to lyrical prose and rhymes. His work takes readers with him on his travels and describes topics ranging from landscapes to commonplace objects in the finest detail or the greatest abstraction. Stroud has completed works of great social and cultural importance and it is important that we recognize him for his contribution to the arts. Together with the Witter Bynner Foundation and members of the United States Congress, I welcome Mr. Stroud to our nation's capital and join in congratulating him for his success and thank him for his contributions to American literature.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Viola Georgian Balestreri, who passed away on January 25, 2006 in Carmel, California, at the age of 92. Viola was born on September 19, 1913 in Brooklyn, New York to Amelia and Aniello Crispo and was the only girl among 11 brothers--a special child, indeed! After the death of her husband Vincent Balestreri, whom she married in 1938, she moved to Carmel in 1957. She taught at Junipero Serra School for many years while raising her two children, to whom she was devoted. Viola was a strong woman who never criticized or said a harsh word about anyone. She was eternally optimistic and grateful for her family and the blessings in her life. She was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister and friend. Her son, Ted Balestreri, owner of the famed Sardine Factory restaurant in Monterey, has been a good friend of mine and I grieve with him over the loss of his mother. I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Ted and the entire Balestreri family on the loss of this beloved woman.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, today Representative Bilirakis and I are introducing the Disabled Veterans Tax Fairness Act. This bipartisan bill serves disabled veterans who have been caught in the cross hairs of the bureaucracy at the Department of Veterans Affairs and an Internal Revenue Service statute of limitations. The Disabled Veterans Tax Fairness Act would add an exception to the IRS statute of limitations that would allow disabled military retirees whose disability claims have been pending for more than 3 years to receive back taxes for all the years that their claim was pending. This issue was brought to my attention by a constituent who had a disability claim pending at the VA for 8 years. After he finally won his disability claim and was awarded retroactive disability compensation, he was denied 5 years of back taxes due to the IRS 3-year statute of limitations. This veteran and perhaps thousands of others are being penalized through no fault of their own. To determine the scope of the problem, I requested a report in the FY06 TT/HUD appropriations bill directing the IRS to tell the committee how many disabled military retirees have been and will be penalized by this IRS statute of limitations. I look forward to the results in mid- March. Those who have dedicated their lives to the security of this country should not be penalized by the IRS for bureaucratic inefficiency by the VA disability claims process. This bill is supported by the Military Officers Association of America and The Military Coalition. Please join Representative Bilirakis and me as a cosponsor of H.R. 4727.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my dear friend, the late Judge Art Danner. Art died unexpectedly on Saturday the 28th of January, leaving a void in both the legal community and the community at large. As a friend, experienced lawyer, Superior Court Judge and respected public servant, Art heavily impacted Santa Cruz County, and it is fitting that we honor him today. Art is survived by his wife, Betty Danner; his parents, Arthur Danner Jr. and Marie Danner; and his sons, Arthur and Andrew Danner. Art was revered in Santa Cruz for his commitment to justice and the strength of his personal convictions. Art built a reputation for tenacity as the district attorney for Santa Cruz County, as each of his cases was debated with patience and fortitude. This determination was characteristic of Art throughout his career as a prosecutor. As district attorney, he was known for his tireless pursuit of justice and was acutely aware of his responsibility to the public as the chief law enforcement officer in the County. This sense of responsibility and service resonated throughout the community, instilling public confidence in the judiciary and the Judge himself. Art retained these qualities as a jurist, proving to be dynamic in approach and pragmatic in his application of the law. In the courtroom, he applied himself with imagination and fervor, showing himself to be a considerate and pensive judge, ensuring that every case before him was decided in accordance with established law and the principles of justice, liberty and equality. As a member of the society, he was held in the same high regard. Community groups have recognized Art for his tireless work as a prosecutor, judge and active citizen. For all that knew him, both in his professional and personal capacity, he was an inspiration and is regarded as a man of integrity and unrelenting diligence. Today we honor the memory and cherish the legacy of Judge Art Danner.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners, a Californian firm that has recently been awarded the 2006 Architecture Firm Award by the American Institute of Architects, the AIA. The AIA Firm Award is the highest honor bestowed by the AIA, recognizing firms that have continued to produce distinguished work for at least 10 years. The firm has contributed largely to institutional and cultural design and it is fitting that we mention them today, in particular the founding members Charles Moore, John Ruble and Buzz Yudell. The firm was born from the founding members' dedication to habitation and the intersection of people, place and culture. Moore Ruble Yudell's early residential work evolved into a broad spectrum of private and public projects, projects that are rarely mentioned without a sense of wonderment. Their competition winning design for The American Embassy in Berlin, nearing completion, represents American democratic values abroad. This progressive firm has been at the forefront of architectural design while retaining its commitment to the fundamental principles of humanism. The firm has remained committed to the notion of social and environmental responsibility in their designs. Moore Ruble Yudell has completed projects of social and cultural importance and it is fitting that they have been awarded the AIA Architecture Firm Award, recognizing their illustrious body of work from the past 28 years. Together with the AIA and members of the United States Congress, I welcome you to our Nation's capital and in recognizing the importance of good design and good planning, join in congratulating Moore Ruble Yudell for their achievement and thank them for their contributions to American culture.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, for the third time, I rise in strong opposition to the Deficit Reduction Act (S. 1932). This is a second chance to right a wrong and I urge my colleagues to vote wisely. With a deficit of more than $300 billion in 2005, there is little question that something needs to be done about the federal budget. But S. 1932 is nothing more than smoke and mirrors because it will actually increase the deficit. Let me explain. I've heard loud and clear from my constituents that they do not support this slash and burn budget. They do not want over $11 billion in cuts to student loans or $6.4 billion in cuts to Medicare, particularly at this time when the prescription drug plan is failing miserably. We already have a shortage of doctors on the Central Coast who accept Medicare patients, and this Republican-drafted bill freezes physician payments for doctors who accept Medicare patients. This misguided attempt at deficit reduction will further exacerbate our physician shortage. This kind of penny-wise pound-foolish legislation translates into a greater strain on state and local resources. And when our state, county and local governments cannot pick up the slack, families and children will only be left with smoke and mirrors. I urge my colleagues to stand up for middle class Americans and defeat this bill.