Sam Farr

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dan Hudson, a valuable member of the Monterey community who passed away on October 11, 2004, after a courageous struggle with cancer. He was an entrepreneur with a love of storytelling, but is perhaps best known for his creation of the Monterey County Post. Dan was born on January 7, 1951, in Berkeley, CA, but soon returned to his family's home on the Monterey Peninsula. He spent his youth exploring the Central Coast, and was well known for his love of adventure. After graduating from Robert Louis Stevenson High School, Dan created Hudson & Company, in the Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel, CA. He attended the Monterey College of Law, but after his graduation in 1994 decided instead to go into the newspaper business. The Monterey County Post was the result of this decision, which he designed particularly to serve the residents of Monterey County. The lead article dealt with Carlos, a former gang member, and instantly made a name for the paper as taking a serious, in-depth approach to crime and illegal drugs. Dan wasn't afraid to tackle controversial issues, and though the paper had a conservative leaning, he welcomed opinions from everyone. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Dan Hudson's many accomplishments, and I commend him for his dedication to his community and friends. He was a remarkable figure, and his memory will live on in the many people whose lives he has touched. I join the Monterey Bay community, and friends and family in honoring this truly admirable man and friend for all of his lifelong achievements.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mel J. Vercoe, who passed away on October 6th at the age of 89. Mel's life-long dedication to activism and public service will forever remind us of the importance of courage and service in our community. Mel was a 1933 graduate of Mt. Vernon High School in Washington State. He served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1963 with his wife Dolores and his two children Ken and Linda. As an architect and contractor, Mel was involved in the construction business for over 50 years. Mel was well known for his many ``Letters to the Editor'' which appeared in the Monterey Herald and other local newspapers. A politician at heart, Mel always gave his take on issues to help the community. Mr. Speaker, I wish to remember Mel for his honorable service to our country and his contributions to our community. While he will be sorely missed, his life will continue to inspire those he touched.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor MG Salve H. Matheson, who passed away January 8 at the age of 84. Major General Matheson's life-long dedication to military service will forever remind us of the importance of courage and dedication, even in trying times. Born in Seattle, Major General Matheson and his family moved to Monterey in 1920. After graduating from UCLA, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. During World War II, Major General Matheson participated in D-Day at Normandy, the liberation of Holland, the storm of Hitler's ``Eagle Nest'' and the defense of Bastogne. The heroics of his unit were forever immortalized by historian Stephen Ambrose in the 1992 novel ``Band of Brothers.'' During the Korean War, Major General Matheson continued to play key roles in major military operations, such as the amphibious landings at Inchon and Wonsan. In the Vietnam War, he commanded the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division and participated in the Tet Offensive. Major General Matheson continued his military career in Korea in the late 1960s by commanding the 2nd Infantry Division along the demilitarized zone. Mr. Speaker, I wish to remember Major General Matheson for his distinguished career. His contribution to our country is immeasurable. MG Salve H. Matheson has left a legacy of leadership and service to his community that will not soon be forgotten. While he will be sorely missed, his life will continue to inspire those he touched.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong and heartfelt support of H. Res. 39. This resolution underlies the moral fabric of our global society: We must never ever forget and we must be ever vigilant to prevent the hatred that led to the creation of concentration camps like Auschwitz. The resolution rightly urges that we rededicate ourselves to the fight against racism, intolerance, bigotry, prejudice, discrimination and anti-Semitism. Clearly, such a call to arms is needed now more than ever. For example, the State Department's Report on Global Anti- Semitism states, ``anti-Semitism in Europe increased significantly in recent years.'' Genocide in Rwanda, the ethnic massacres in Bosnia and the mass killings of children in Russia reminds us that not every corner of the world or country is committed to respecting the dignity of its citizens. As we solemnly remember the sacrifice of 12 million people who were persecuted and died because of their ethnicity, political or religious beliefs, we must fight anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination with renewed vigor. We will be judged poorly by history itself if we do not.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rodney Gilsen Kennedy- Minott, who passed away December 15th at the age of 76. Rodney's lifelong dedication to academia, activism and public service will forever remind us of the importance of courage and dedication, even in trying times. Born in Portland, Oregon, Rodney moved to Massachusetts in his teenage years. Though college bound, the lure of military service led him to enlist after high school, serving in the US Army occupation force in Japan. After his time in the service, he set out to finish his education at Stanford University, eventually earning his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. In 1965, he moved back to his native Portland, where he taught as an Associate Professor and worked as a staffer for former Congresswoman Edith Green. Two years later, he moved to California State University at Hayward where he became the Associate Dean of Instruction, a Professor of History and Head of the Humanities Department. Rodney's keen interest in politics led him to early support for President Jimmy Carter's campaign in 1974. He was later lauded as an impressive character for standing up to the Army Corps of Engineers and Federal bureaucracy on behalf of the campaign and became quite close to the President. Rodney went on to serve as the Ambassador to Sweden from 1977 to 1980, judged ``the most effective and successful US Ambassador to Sweden in more than twenty years'' by Nobel Prize winners Gunnar and Alva Myrdal. In 1993, he was selected by the US Navy to implement an interdisciplinary curriculum to educate naval officers at the Naval Postgraduate School about environmental issues. Rodney also developed a program to train naval officers to be diplomatic staff at US embassies. Throughout his life, Rodney remained an active member of the community. He was a past board member of the West Coast Region of the Institute of International Education and the University of San Francisco's Pacific Basin Studies Program, an Associate Fellow of the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, a member of the World Affairs Council Monterey, the Monterey Bay Chapter of the Organization of American Historians, the International Institute of Strategic Studies, and the American Foreign Service Association. Mr. Speaker, I wish to remember Rodney for his honorable career and his contribution to our society. Rodney consistently went above and beyond the roles bestowed upon him, and has left a legacy of leadership and activism. Our thoughts go out to his three children, Katharine, Rodney Jr., and Polly. While he will be sorely missed, his life will continue to inspire those he touched.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dean Richard (Dick) Barelli, a dedicated public servant who passed away on October 1st, 2004. He was a valuable member of the Monterey Bay community and will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Dick Barelli was born in Hammond, Indiana on February 25, 1937 to Dean and Anne Barelli. After graduating from Notre Dame University, Dick served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army at Monterey County's own Fort Ord. Dick then earned his law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, and in 1970 moved to Monterey to become one of the first Monterey County Assistant Public Defenders. He went into private practice, and was a founding member of the Monterey College of Law in 1972. Dick was appointed Superior Court Judge of Monterey County in 1977, where he served for five years. Although Dick retired in 1982 he has served as Deputy County Counsel for the past nine years, and was actively involved in the Monterey County Bar Association, where he served as President. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Dean Barelli's many accomplishments, and I commend him for his lifelong dedication to his community and friends. I knew Dean Barelli during my time as a Monterey County supervisor, and was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I join the Monterey Bay community, his friends and his family in honoring this truly admirable man for all of his lifelong achievements.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself, my family and the constituents of the 17th District of California, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families of the tsunami natural disaster. As the number of victims continues to increase, America is united in mourning the staggering loss of lives-- many, many of whom are children. In the last week, the millions of people affected by the tsunami have faced terrifying obstacles. But the global community stands in solidarity with the 12 affected nations. While the United States and other governments have promised humanitarian aid, private citizens in the United States have also shown an amazing outpouring of generosity and compassion. In my own congressional district, which has experienced a number of natural disasters, a number of compassionate people are reaching out to the South Asia disaster victims. For example, the Salinas Rotary Club, along with other Rotary Clubs across the country, is organizing to supply ``Shelter Boxes'' that contain basic necessities like tents and sleeping bags. Humanitarian assistance is desperately needed on an unprecedented global scale. The international community has pledged $2 billion, with a contribution of $350 million from the United States, but it is clear that more will be required of many. I intend to support an emergency funding bill for U.S. tsunami aid and I urge the President and the Republican leadership to be generous, as the world community was to the United States in the wake of 9/11. In addition to our efforts to help the survivors of this tragedy, we must also work to ensure that we can better alert people to similar events in the future. The United States should lead the world in implementing a global ocean observing system. The recently-released U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy final report noted the importance of using observation systems to help us to prevent the loss of life and property and be better stewards of the oceans. One of my priorities in the coming year will be to continue pushing for implementation of the U.S. Commission recommendations. Millions of people were left homeless and facing terrifying obstacles as a result of this tsunami. But I hope they can take some solace in knowing that people across the globe stand in solidarity with them. Not only have governments promised extensive support, but private citizens everywhere are digging into their own pockets to give what they can. This outpouring of generosity and compassion is amazing and reaffirming. No matter cultural differences or physical distance, in times of crisis we always come together to help one another. As the New Year begins, I pray for the quick recovery of those affected by the disaster and hope that the compassion shown during this crisis continues far into the future.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I remember Bob Matsui from younger days. We were all Sacramentons. I was newly married. Shary and I went to Sacramento to work in California State politics. And there in Sacramento was this new enthusiastic political community rising because California had just amended its constitution to set the legislature to hire full-time staff, and so it was a can-do city. And in the midst of this was this young graduate from the University of California who was a big champion of Berkeley and the Cal Bears, and he chose to run for city council. And a wonderful staff member named Steve Thompson introduced Bob to everybody, and Steve was a staff member and active in Democratic clubs and political social life. My wife, Shary, was working for John Moss, who was the predecessor to Bob Matsui. He was the Congressman at the time; and when John Moss retired, the city Democrats were split over who to support for that seat: the mayor, Phil Isenberg, a great popular person in Sacramento; or the young Bob Matsui. And it was a raucous grass roots primary battle. Bob won, and as they say, the rest is history. It is a shock that Bob is gone. He was too young, too talented, too much going for him as a new grandfather to have been taken from us. As Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, he raised a record amount of money for the congressional Democrats. We counted on him to lead us into battle against the President's proposals to privatize Social Security. When one is speaking about Bob, one has to talk about Doris, who conquered Washington politics in her own right and ended up in the Clinton White House. She and Bob were a classic political couple, really well known in D.C. as well as Sacramento. My heart goes out to Doris and the family, to Brian, Amy, and little Anna. Bob's congressional district is one of the most significant in the United States because he represents the best staffed, most productive, best known political celebrities in the Nation's biggest State capital, Sacramento. He was the Congressman for the Federal tax issues relating to California's tax needs. I remember that Bob Matsui had to carry the tax exemption for State legislators' per diem. Can my colleagues imagine the likes of Jess Unruh, Willie Brown, Jerry Brown, and the entire 120 members of the senate and assembly counting on his ability to convince Chairman Rostenkowski that the California State legislators should have something that no Member of Congress had, a tax exempt per diem 7 days a week for the entire legislative session? Bob had every legislator in California breathing down his throat. Their power in Sacramento meant absolutely nothing here in Washington. They needed Bob to do it for them. No one thought he could pull it off, not against Rosty. But he did. California Democrats had a lot of political sorrow this last year. They lost the governorship in a recall election, lost many seasoned politicians like John Burton and Willie Brown and John Vasconcellos and Bryon Sher, just to name a few notables, to term limits. They lost in the unexpected death of former State senator Henry Mello and even lost their long beloved staffer, Steve Thompson. And now Congressman Bob Matsui is lost to us all, the biggest loss of all. Bob was a Member's Member. His death has sent the State capital into a frenzy trying to decide who will run in the special election to replace him. Congress is abuzz with who will take his seat on the Committee on Ways and Means. The political world is wondering who will succeed him as Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. But the fact of the matter is that no one can take his place. The son of Japanese immigrants, whom our own government interred, he rose to be one of our Nation's most respected Congressman. No one will take his place. They can only try to emulate what his service means to the American spirit of public service in a democracy. When the Nation is experiencing what most people will certainly remember as a horrible year in the annals of modern history, a year that encompasses war, pestilence, and disease, thank God we had the goodwill of Bob Matsui, a real American role model.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated and passionate public servant, my friend, the Honorable Bruce McPherson. Senator McPherson recently left office after eight years representing California's fifteenth district in the California State Senate. He has served the residents of the Monterey Bay Area as a state senator since 1996, and had previously served two terms as a member of the State Assembly for the 27th district. Though term limits have ended his career as a State Senator, Bruce leaves behind a lasting legacy of service and bipartisanship that I wish to honor here today. Senator McPherson spent twenty-six years in the newspaper business with the Santa Cruz Sentinel, always staying active in the community that he loved. However, it was after I stepped down from my seat in the Assembly to run for Leon Panetta's seat in Congress that Bruce heard the call of elected office. After a successful campaign, he became the first Republican to represent Santa Cruz in the legislature since 1976, and since then has continued to win every local election in which he has run. While in the legislature, Bruce has focused on several key issues, chief among them was education. In fact, while still a private citizen, he took the lead to enhance local education programs, such as creating a literacy program for the county while he was president of the local Rotary Club. This commitment continued as he worked to pass two state school bond measures, and worked annually to lower class sizes and keep them low. His position as Vice-Chair of the Senate Education Committee was a platform for him to work cooperatively within his chamber, as well as with the Assembly and Governor's office on difficult budget decisions. As one of the Monterey Bay Area's legislators, Senator McPherson also put environmental issues in the forefront of his agenda. He supported the statewide ban on oil drilling off our coasts; helped with the purchase of over 7,000 acres in north Santa Cruz County for preservation; and authored legislation to protect water quality in our oceans. Looking to take his message statewide, Bruce ran for Lieutenant Governor in 2002, a role he took on with a personal passion after the tragic loss of his son, Hunter. After this unimaginable loss for Bruce and his wife, Mary, they continued their positive and issues-oriented campaign in their son's name. Mr. Speaker, Bruce McPherson leaves the California Senate having accomplished many goals for his constituency and for the state. As he looks forward to spending time with his family, I wish to honor his work and dedicated public service, and to wish him happiness and success for the future.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Terry Melcher, a prominent record producer and songwriter and a personal friend of mine, who recently passed away. I send the deepest sympathies to his wife, Terese, his son, Ryan, and his mother, Doris Day. Anyone who knew Terry would claim that he was a talented man. He started his career in the music industry as a solo singer, but later he and future Beach Boy Bruce Johnston paired up and formed the group Bruce & Terry. They made several hits together and then went on to become part of the group, the Rip Chords. Together the Rip Chords recorded the 1964 hit, ``Hey, Little Cobra''. Also, during this successful time, Terry's career included producing. He produced the top selling version of Bob Dylan's ``Mr. Tambourine Man'' and others, including the Byrds' ``Turn, Turn, Turn'' while with Columbia Records. He also worked his magic with the Mamas and the Papas, Wayne Newton, Paul Revere and the Raiders and Ray Cooder. In addition to his work Terry took time to be involved in the community; he was a board member of the Monterey Pop Foundation and a producer of the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. This event rose to fame as stars such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Janis Joplin and Otis Redding emerged onto the national scene. However, Terry was probably best known for his work with the Beach Boys, who once recorded an album at his studio in Carmel Valley. Terry co-wrote the song ``Kokomo'' and performed on their album ``Pet Sounds''. ``Kokomo'' was used in the movie ``Cocktail'', where it garnered a Golden Globe nomination in 1988 for best original song. Terry continued his involvement with entertainment throughout his life and was the executive producer of his mother's shows: ``The Doris Day Show'', on CBS from 1968 to 1972 and then later, in the mid-80's, ``Doris Day's Best Friends''. He continued his involvement in the community and helped run his mother's charitable activities, including the Doris Day Animal Foundation. He was also a supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office. Mr. Speaker, Terry Melcher was a man who shared his gift of music with others and valued the Central Coast community. I would again like to extend my deepest sympathies to Terry Melcher's family at their loss.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congresswoman Lois Capps, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Congressman George Miller, Congressman Michael Honda, Congressman Joe Baca, Congressman Mike Thompson, Congressman Tom Lantos, Congressman Pete Stark, Congressman Bob Filner, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congresswoman Diane Watson, Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congressman Howard Berman and Congresswoman Maxine Waters join me as I rise in honor of a good friend and outstanding public servant, former California State Senator Henry Mello. Henry passed away on September 4, 2004, but will always be remembered for his dedication to the communities of the Central Coast. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but his legacy will live on in many ways. The son of Portuguese immigrants, Henry was born in 1924 in the rural community of Watsonville, where his mother's family had been farming apples since 1874. He had an eye for business and left Hartnell College after one year to work with his family on the apple farms. At the age of 29, Henry founded John C. Mello and Sons Cold Storage and ran it for 20 years before selling it to Del Mar Food Products in 1973. By this time Henry had found his true calling: public service. In 1966 Henry officially began his political career with his election to the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. He was not afraid of politically charged issues, and in 1972 composed a motion disapproving the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War. Because of his dedication to his constituents and his commitment to the Monterey Bay area, he was elected to the California State Assembly, serving from 1976 to 1980. Henry was then elected to the State Senate, rising quickly to prominent positions, including the majority whip from 1981 to 1992 and the majority leader from 1992 until he left the legislature in 1996. While in the legislature, Senator Mello was an ardent supporter of many vital segments of our population, especially senior citizens. Senator Mello authored legislation to enact the first programs focusing on Alzheimer's-Respite Care, Adult Day Health Care and the Multipurpose Senior Services Programs. He founded the Senior Legislature and passed legislation to combat elder abuse. In the 20 years that Senator Mello served in the legislature, he authored more than 120 bills on aging and long-term care that have become the law of the land in California. However, Henry's service and advocacy extended far beyond just one subject. He was also a strong supporter of our ocean's health, authoring legislation to protect fisheries, working to keep off-shore oil away from California's coastline, and petitioning for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He has created many lasting legacies on the Central Coast, including Wilder Ranch and Grey Whale State Parks, which are enjoyed by thousands of people each year. He also supported the creation of the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at the University of California, Santa Cruz, which has made tremendous strides in organic and sustainable farming practices worldwide. When Fort Ord was slated to be closed by the U.S. Army, Senator Mello introduced legislation to create the Fort Ord Reuse Authority to help the state and the region handle the largest base closure in U.S. history. He was also proactive in transferring this area into civilian use, and helped create the California State University, Monterey Bay on the former base. He was a co-author of the Mello-Roos Act of 1982, which provided funding for education and other public projects through tax-exempt bonds. Following the Loma Prieta earthquake, Henry secured a temporary sales tax increase to help the devastated communities of the Central Coast, a measure which proved to be invaluable to the local governments in their efforts to rebuild. In his hometown, he is perhaps best known to the general public for helping to raise funds to rebuild the performing arts center in Watsonville after it was destroyed in the earthquake. It was opened in 1994 as the Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts, which was particularly fitting because Senator Mello was known for contributing his musical talents on the piano for many state and local functions. Mr. Speaker, Henry Mello was the consummate public servant and master of the art of compromise. His legacy to the State of California is felt through the landmark legislation that he passed as well as through those whose lives he touched personally. Many of us in the California Congressional Delegation worked closely with Henry throughout our public service careers, and we all wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Helen, and his sons Stephen, John, Michael and Timothy.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander John W. Van Hise, Jr., upon his retirement after over 35 years of service in the Naval Security Group Reserve. Commander Van Hise has commendably served his country in a variety of assignments at key duty stations around the world. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on his retirement, and express my appreciation for his service to our country. In 1969, Commander Van Hise enlisted in the United States Navy, and after completing Basic Training was assigned to the Russian Language School at Syracuse University. Shortly after, CDR Van Hise served active duty in Japan as an aircrew and plane captain, flying over 100 missions in the Sea of Japan, the Gulf of Tonkin, and off the USS Coral Sea. Upon returning to the United States he continued his career in the Naval Reserve in California. After relocation to Florida, he served as both Training Officer and Operations Officer at the Naval Reserve Security Group in Tampa. In 1986 CDR Van Hise transferred to Charleston and created the first Direct Support Program for Security Group reservists and as a result, was selected as Commanding Officer. Returning to California in 1991, he served two more tours as the Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Security Group Santa Ana and Naval Reserve Security Group Ft. Lewis, Washington. In 1996, he enrolled in the Naval War College at the Naval Postgraduate School where he graduated with honors in 1999. In his exemplary career in the Navy, Commander Van Hise has received many promotions, and has been awarded with many honors and medals. His first Navy Commendation Medal was awarded to him after serving as the Operations Officer of the Naval Reserve Security Group San Francisco from 1994 to 1995. In 1995, the Commander was awarded the Joint Commendation Medal by US European Command for his planning and execution of 40 Military-to-Military contact events between Albanian and US forces. He received a second Navy Commendation Medal in 2000 after serving as Action Officer for Joint Secure Communications under the Director of Naval Intelligence. Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally congratulate Commander Van Hise on his upcoming retirement, and thank him for his dedicated service in the Navy. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, according to the Foreign Assistance Act, U.S. foreign assistance: ``shall be used in support of, rather than substitution for, the self-help efforts'' of developing countries and ``should focus on establishing and upgrading the institutional capacities of developing countries in order to promote long-term development.'' Over 40 years have passed since the enactment of the 1961 Foreign Assistance Act, and countries throughout, the world still face hurdles, including: extreme poverty, hunger, disease, high unemployment, and civil unrest. The U.S. Government only has a limited amount of resources available for international development assistance, and we need to ensure that we spend every dollar in the most efficient way possible to help as many people as possible. I strongly believe that the most efficient way to distribute foreign assistance is through building local capacity. What exactly is local capacity building? Local capacity building can be defined as a continuous process where individuals, communities, organizations and governments improve their ability to understand and solve their development challenges in a sustainable way. Assistance means ``to give support'' . . . it doesn't mean do it yourself. The most effective foreign assistance tools are not necessarily tangible things like bulldozers and construction equipment, or hiring American contractors to do the job in-country, but a more powerful and inanimate tool: knowledge. The transfer of knowledge via technical assistance, training and education is what will create long-term, sustainable development. This transfer of technical skills, be it teaching basic business skills for small businesses to flourish, demonstrating how to build wells, explaining the importance of rotating crops, developing a judicial system that hews to the rule of law, or promoting an educational system that provides opportunities for both men and women, is considered local capacity building and is fundamental for sustainable development. Today, I am introducing a resolution that reaffirms the importance of local capacity building in U.S. foreign assistance programs. As my resolution illustrates, there is legal precedent and also considerable consensus within the development community that building local capacity is the key to creating long-term sustainable development. But building local capacity isn't just done on an individual level, it needs to be done on a societal level and a governmental institutional level. Problems like poor access to health care, lack of financial literacy, teacher training are long-term, institutional problems. They are not going to be solved by a one-time infusion of foreign aid. Education and training of citizens in the developing world doesn't evaporate when the political climate or funding level changes in the United States or an international NGO reaches its strategic goals and departs. The goal of local capacity building is to have individuals and governments take ownership of development programs and modify them to achieve lasting results. Where U.S. assistance can make a powerful difference is by providing the technical assistance and training to locals so that they are able to properly address their own problems. Communities can then take this knowledge and find ways to improve their own livelihoods on their own terms and in the appropriate cultural context. An excellent example of foreign assistance technology transfer is USAID's Coffee Corps program. The U.S. sends renowned U.S. coffee specialists to coffee producing countries to assist coffee farmers in establishing the highest quality beans that will receive a higher market value. This knowledge transfer stays with individual producers and helps create more wealth and development within a rural community. USAID has an excellent track record in promoting training programs for foreign aid recipients in key areas of economic development, and we need to recognize USAID's efforts and encourage other foreign assistance programs to push for a broadening of the usage of local capacity building within international development. U.S. foreign assistance must invest heavily in programs that ``train the trainers'', promote educational and cultural exchanges, and fully fund grassroots development programs like the Peace Corps. The Millennium Challenge Corporation, MCC, appears to be making strides in promoting more sustainable development programs, but we must mandate that a country's commitment to building local capacity is a factor when the MCC considers a country's eligibility for funds. I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Colombia during the 1960s, and our mantra was: ``Work yourself out of a job.'' Peace Corps volunteers work to educate their counterparts in `best practices' in areas such as agriculture, health, education, small business and IT development. These counterparts are then able to teach these new skills to other community members, enabling local residents to develop and sustain a better quality of life. ``Work yourself out of a job,'' shouldn't just be the mantra of Peace Corps volunteers. It should be reaffirmed as the central tenet of U.S. development assistance so that citizens in developing countries gain the knowledge to improve their lives and, in turn, improve the world.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, last night Congress voted to increase the public debt limit by an additional $800 billion to an astronomical $8.18 trillion. Simply put, this is morally indefensible. Every time we increase the debt ceiling and allow more money to be tacked onto the public debt, the U.S. government is saddling our grandchildren and their grandchildren with an economic legacy that virtually assures economic stagnation in their lifetime. The Republican leadership will hide behind the war on terror or the recession to mask the dire straits of our economy. But the truth is much more damning. The fundamental reason for the spike in the national debt is the unprecedented pace of Republican tax cuts that have occurred since 2001. Recently, the Congressional Budget Office confirmed that tax cuts are responsible for nearly 60 percent of the budget deficit. We must return to the fiscal responsibility of the Clinton era where we had the political will to make hard, but responsible fiscal policy choices that resulted in the most robust economy in recent history. Moreover, from 1998 through 2000, with President Clinton in the White House, the government reduced debt held by the public, paying off $363 billion. Even in the first year of the Bush Administration, in 2001, under budget policies put in place by the Clinton Administration, the debt came down by another $90 billion. One of the ways that we established fiscal sanity in the 1990s was the use of the pay-as you-go (PAYGO) budget enforcement rules. This practice helped Congress control spending and acted as a reminder that Congress needed to balance the government's checkbook, no matter whether it was tax cuts or increased spending on domestic programs. In their overzealous attempts to cut taxes, especially for the highest 1 percent of wage earners--those earning $400,000 and more, the Republican leadership has blatantly ignored the common sense logic of the PAYGO rules. They have added literally billions and billions of dollars to our deficit and, for that reason, the Congress is forced to raise the debt ceiling to avoid shutting down the federal government. I am deeply troubled that the President of the United States fails to understand or appreciate the financial burden he is imposing on middle income Americans, many of whom reside in ``Red States'' and supported his reelection. During the campaign season, the President promised to make permanent the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts that are scheduled to expire in 2010. This action will cost $1.1 trillion from 2010 through 2014, and even more in the years to follow. Continuing tax cuts permanently will significantly worsen the deficit after 2009, which make a mockery of the President's vow to cut the deficit in half in 2009. To return to economic prosperity and fiscal sanity, we need to reinstate PAYGO rules as a first step, restore balance between our defense security needs and our domestic security needs, and adopt tax policy that benefits middle income taxpayers and creates jobs. I urge our Republican leadership to chart a new economic course for our country so that the United States of America remains the land of prosperity for ``We the People.''

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ruth E. Kesler, whose lifelong dedication to San Benito County consists of many volunteer and local government positions. Ruth will be stepping down as the San Benito Supervisor for District 2, where she has served for 12 years. A longtime resident of San Benito County, Ruth has always taken an active interest in the problems facing senior citizens and the homeless. In addition to her time on the County Board of Supervisors, she has also served as Director and Chair of the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District Board. Furthermore, Ruth has been the county's representative on the California State Association of Counties Board of Directors for the past two years. In addition, Ruth has served on the Child Care and Development Council, Emergency Medical Care Commission, Mental Health Advisory Board and over a dozen other local government and volunteer committees. She has been a strong advocate of slow growth policies for the county and wishes to insure clean water for all citizens. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Ruth on her long and honorable career and thank her for her contribution to our society. Ruth has consistently gone above and beyond the roles bestowed upon her, and has left a legacy of community leadership. I wish her all the luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Scagliotti, whose lifelong dedication to San Benito County consists of many volunteer and local government positions. Richard will be stepping down as the San Benito County Supervisor for District 1, where he has served for 16 years. Following in the footsteps of his father, who served San Benito County in the early sixties, Richard has served nearly his entire public career on the San Benito County Council of Governments and the Local Agency Formation Commission. In addition to his work with the San Benito Board of Supervisors, Richard has served on the Veteran's Memorial Park commission, the Local Transportation Authority, the Inter-Governmental Committee and many other local government groups. One of his proudest accomplishments was the establishment of the Pajaro River Watershed Flood Control Commission in 2000, and has served on the Commission ever since. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Richard on his long and honorable career and thank him for his contribution to our society. Richard has consistently gone above and beyond the roles bestowed upon him, and has left a legacy of community leadership. I wish him all the luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob Cruz, whose lifelong dedication to San Benito County consists of many volunteer and local government positions. Bob will be stepping down as the San Benito Supervisor for District 5, where he has served for 8 years. Born and raised in San Benito County, Bob has been a strong advocate for affordable housing in the community and has been instrumental in the construction of 58 affordable homes in our community. In addition to serving on the County Board of Supervisors, which he chaired for two years, he has also served as Director and Chair of the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District Board. Furthermore, he was the first Supervisor in San Benito to sit on the Children's and Families First Commission, and he immediately took an active interest in establishing this commission and working towards ensuring that early childhood development programs and services are continuously available for children until they begin kindergarten. In addition, Bob has served on the Mental Health Advisory board, the Building/Expansion Committee, the Treasury Oversight Committee and nearly a dozen other local government commissions. Working beyond his posts in the local government, Bob also oversaw the creation of YMCA programs throughout the County. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Bob on his long and honorable career and thank him for his contribution to our society. Bob has consistently gone above and beyond the roles bestowed upon him, and has left a legacy of community leadership. I wish him all the luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Forest Hill Manor on its fiftieth anniversary of serving our community's seniors. This historic building was once the illustrious Forest Hill Hotel, and is still known today for the fine service it offers its guests. In 1954 the hotel was acquired by the California-Nevada Methodist Homes for the purpose of providing a retirement residence in picturesque Pacific Grove. Throughout the years the Manor has continued to undergo improvements, designed to maintain the high quality of life residents have come to expect from this institution. Currently the Manor is beginning work on the latest expansion project, responding to the growing needs of the community. There will be an additional thirty-two independent living apartments, and six more assisted living apartments. The Manor is also adding a skilled nursing facility on the property, with twenty-six beds, so residents will not have to receive care offsite. These new developments will expand the Manor's ability to work for the elderly community in the Monterey Bay. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate the Forest Hill Manor on the outstanding service it has provided our community for the last fifty years. The Manor is a model retirement home, offering a pleasant living experience for 693 residents since 1954. I extend my congratulations to Forest Hill Manor and wish it many more successful years.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Community Assessment Project for working with United Way over the last 10 years and improving the quality of life for Santa Cruz County residents. The Community Assessment Project brings together a wide range of public and private health, education, human service and civic organizations to design and implement a comprehensive 10-year plan for communities improvement. Some of the members of the Steering Committee who have worked exceptionally hard over this past decade are Carol Adams, from Dominican Hospital, and Susan Brutschy of Applied Survey Research. Additionally, much of this project's success has been due to the generous support of the financial sponsors, especially the County of Santa Cruz, the single largest patron. In the last 10 years, the Community Assessment Project has made significant progress toward reaching their goal of improving the overall quality of life in Santa Cruz County. It has conducted an annual survey to get residents' perceptions of the issues, and has begun addressing concerns related to health care, primary education, and drug and alcohol use among youth. By quantifying the needs of the community, it is now easier to bring in millions of new dollars in grant funding. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate the Community Assessment Project on the tremendous work it has done over this past decade.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished career of Linda Wilshusen, a respected public servant who is retiring from her post after 19 years as executive director of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission. Good transportation planning is essential to maintain both the quality of life Santa Cruz residents desire and the economic vitality necessary to sustain a robust workforce. Linda and her staff at the commission have worked tirelessly to develop a variety of transportation options and engage the public to make long-term transportation decisions that have been difficult, at times controversial, but necessary for the county to adopt a blueprint to meet future transportation needs. Linda has always recognized the amazing diversity of the community she served and balanced the desire of progrowth advocates by supporting Highway 1 improvements while promoting passenger rail and bus service, and developing transportation alternatives like a bike and pedestrian trail around the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and increasing public awareness of the transportation needs of elderly and disabled residents, and upgrading motorist safety and assistance. During Linda's tenure, the SCCRTC distributed over $300 million for local transportation programs that have made the Santa Cruz area a much more desirable place to live. Linda Wilshusen provided prescient leadership for 19 years at the helm of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission and has had an enormous impact not only on the everyday lives of Santa Cruz County residents but also on anyone who has visited Santa Cruz County during the last two decades. Transportation planning is not the only area in which Linda has a tremendous impact on her beloved Santa Cruz community. In the last year, her family suffered the tragedy of losing their youngest daughter, Kelsey. However, Linda, her husband Rock Pfotenhauer, and her daughter Zephyr showed incredible courage and used their daughter's death to reach out to the community to bring public awareness to the need for better mental health programs so that other families would not suffer the same fate. I know other parents join me in wishing Linda and her family heartfelt sympathy for their unimaginable loss and gratitude for speaking out on the need for better mental health awareness. I am privileged to call Linda Wilshusen a valued friend and esteemed public servant. On behalf of all my constituents, I wish her and her family well. Thank you, Linda, for your unselfish public service.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Citizenship Project as this year's recipient of the Ralph B. Atkinson Award for Civil Liberties. Each year the Atkinson Award, named for the distinguished civil rights advocate Ralph B. Atkinson, is presented to a local advocate for civil liberties. This year the Monterey County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union selected the Citizenship Project, which was founded in 1994 by Teamsters Local 890 in response to the passage of Proposition 187. The project is dedicated to an expanded citizenship and consistently represents such values as education and self-organization through mutual support. In 2004 they became a close partner to the Central Labor Council, and are currently helping the Labor Council form a new coalition for immigrant rights here on the Central Coast. Maria Echavarria, the Project's Acting Director, and Tony Acosta were extremely instrumental in the success of this project. With the help of over 1,000 immigrant community volunteers, the Citizenship Project has provided low-cost immigration services, registered thousands of new voters, and conducted voter workshops for new citizens. With their assistance, over 15,000 residents of the Central Coast have applied for U.S. Citizenship. Since 1998 they have sponsored Jovenes en Accion Youth in Action. This immigrant youth leadership development program registers voters, teaches in the school, produces plays about their experience, and has led the struggle in our region for educational & employment rights for undocumented youth. Furthermore, they build citizenship by helping people form groups to act together. They have launched La Hermandad de Ex-Braceros Brotherhood of Ex-Braceros, Mujeres del Sur Triqui women in Greenfield, and La Alianza para una Manana Mejor south Salinas Valley Latino political club with this objective in mind. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to honor the accomplishments of the Citizenship Project and express my sincere gratitude for their commitment to the community.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Peter J. Cutino, a coaching legend in the sport of water polo, who passed away Sunday, September 19th in his Monterey home. During his lifetime Mr. Cutino was a strong pillar of the water polo community. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 51 years, Louise; two sons, Paul and Peter; daughter, Anna; brother Bert; two sisters, Rose Marie and Josephine; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Cutino was born April 3, 1933 in Monterey. He graduated from high school a star athlete in 1951 and earned Junior College All American honors at Monterey Peninsula College. He then transferred to Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo, earning water polo all-conference honors, and graduated with a master's degree in education. He began his coaching career at Oxnard High School and then moved on to coach the Cal Golden Bears for 26 victorious years. He was the most successful water polo coach in collegiate history and was awarded NCAA Coach of the Year four times. His successes in collegiate sports earned him the coveted role as coach to the U.S. national team in the 1976 Olympics. While at Cal, he coached 68 all-Americans, 6 Pac-10 conference and NCAA players of the year and 5 Olympians. In 1989 he stepped down as UC Berkeley's head water polo coach in order to open and run the Monterey Sports Club in my district. At the same time, Peter continued his service to the international sports world by serving as chairman of the Men's International Olympic Committee. Additionally, in recognition of his life of leadership and mentorship, he received UC Berkeley's Alumni Centennial Award and Chancellors commendation, and an athletic scholarship at Berkeley was established in his name in 1989. Mr. Cutino was also an active leader in the Italian-American Community in Monterey and was a member of the Campari, Paisano and Amici clubs. In addition to numerous professional water polo publications, he authored a book on the Italian-American community in Monterey. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to join the local community and Mr. Peter Cutino's family and friends in honoring the life of such an inspirational coach, husband and father.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Western Stage on the 30th Anniversary of its first performance in our community. The Western Stage, founded in 1974 on the campus of Hartnell College, is the Salinas Valley's public theatre and is a leading arts institution of Monterey County with a national presence and impact. For over three decades The Western Stage has served the diverse population of the central coast region of California, presenting an annual season of plays and musicals and educational programming of the highest professional standard. Over 400 students, community members and professionals participate each year, and the annual audience numbers exceed 25,000 patrons. The Western Stage also engages the community via its involvement with Hartnell Community College. The Western Stage Auxiliary Corporation is governed by a board of directors composed of community leaders and elected trustees of the College. The Western Stage manages the Hartnell College Performing Arts Center and administers the academic theatre program for the Hartnell College District under the direction of John Light, Melissa Chin Parker and Jon Patrick Selover, three company veterans with an average of 15 years each of experience with the Western Stage. Furthermore, The Western Stage is a founding partner of the John Steinbeck Chair at Hartnell College and The National Steinbeck Center, the Salinas Public Library and Partners for Peace, and has numerous artistic accomplishments of note with adaptations of major works of American literature and that of John Steinbeck: East of Eden (1992, 1994, 2000), Tortilla Flat (2001), Viva! Zapata (2000), Cannery Row (1995 & 2005) and Travels With Charley (1998); as well as adaptations in collaboration with authors Studs Terkel (The Good War 1988), Ray Bradbury (Something Wicked This Way Comes, 1991) and Victor Villasenor (Rain of Gold 2003 & 2005); and world premieres of Summer Stock (for Harold Arlen, 2000) and Song of Survival (for WWII Dutch POW Helen Colijn, by California's Ray and Eleanor Harder, 1997). Today's performance of Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, directed by Jon Patrick Selover, commemorates 30 years since That Championship Season opened the Hartnell College Performing Arts Center, directed by founder of The Western Stage, Ron Danko. Clearly, The Western Stage has a commitment to the artistic health of the community providing support and assistance to and nurturing young artists and arts organizations. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Western Stage for the outstanding work it has done and honor the many accomplishments of its staff and volunteers.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I stand in mourning to honor my good friend John H.G. Stuart, who passed peacefully on October 23, 2004, at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, Sheila, his son Orin, his daughter Oria, his sister Kathleen of Toronto, Canada, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Mr. Stuart was a great contributor to the global community, and an example of the American dream. Mr. Stuart, who was known to one and all as Harry, was born in 1918 in County Silgo, Ireland. He and his family later moved to Dublin, where he attended engineering school, and graduated with his degree from Trinity College. He later joined the British Navy, and spent the whole of the Second World War as a naval engineer, including two tours as chief engineer. After the end of World War II, he returned home to Ireland where he met and married Sheila, his wife and lifelong love of 58 years. In 1948, Harry joined the Calcutta Electric Supply in India. He worked with their three power plants to make sure that Calcutta had plenty of power. Then, after almost 6 years in India and many months of applications and waiting, the Stuarts were granted visas and entry into the United States. They went to San Francisco in 1954 via Hong Kong, and ended up settling in Santa Cruz a year later in 1955. As an engineer, Harry did power work with local companies and offices such as Pacific Gas & Electric and Lockheed Martin. He was able to help build geothermal plants in Iceland, Hawaii, and southern California. Through this work, he helped the world community to use better and cleaner power. Harry had many faces. He was an avid traveler, as anyone would know just by reading these exploits, and he loved to fish and smoke salmon. In fact, I spent many a long night with Harry, discussing his travels throughout the British Isles, his passion for the outdoors, and most of all his thoughts on the best whiskey. In short, Harry was one of ``the best,'' a friend and companion to one and all and a beautiful human being. Mr. Speaker, I hope that we can all stand today and honor this man. He bettered the global environment, exemplified America's true diversity and opportunity to those who want to make a life here, and gave of his time to better the lives of his fellow travelers. I will miss him deeply and extend my deepest condolences to Sheila, Orin, Oria, Kathleen and the rest of his wonderful family.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Presidio of Monterey and its historic status for our nation, and for the State of California. This month the Sons of the American Revolution will be honoring the Presidios of San Diego, Monterey, Santa Barbara and San Francisco as historical sites for their role in the American Revolution. Indeed, many of our fellow citizens are unaware of the role of Spain in our founding as a new nation, but it was an important part of the global politics of the time. On June 21, 1779, King Carlos III declared war on England in support of the American colonies, a declaration that affected not only the Iberian Peninsula, but also the Spanish colonies in the New World. Monterey was one such colony. In order to assist the militias and people of the united colonies, King Carlos requested that all citizens and residents of Alta California donate money to the struggle. These donations, when gathered together by Father Junipero Serra, totaled 2,683 Spanish silver dollars, a sizable amount that no doubt greatly assisted the funding and financing of this new nation. Besides the local assistance provided by the residents of the Presidio and surrounding missions, Spain's contributions to the fight for independence were of vital importance in bringing about the eventual defeat of the British army and the Treaty of Paris. Mr. Speaker, most of my constituents already know the Presidio of Monterey well, because it is still an operating military base today. While the fact that it is still a major training center for today's military may mask its historical importance overall, it is recognition such as this month's presentation by the Sons of the American Revolution that keep that history alive. I commend them for their work in highlighting this important institution, and thank them for continuing to remind us of how important our national history is to us all.