Sam Farr

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi) for joining us. I know her family and all her friends and people in elected government will be so touched because she was a big admirer of the gentlewoman. My colleague led the way for women in politics. Throughout her life, many of these organizations honored her outstanding commitment and service to our Bay community with awards. The Volunteers in Action honored her community service. The Sierra Club honored her for outstanding achievement. Planned Parenthood named her an Outstanding Woman in Politics. The Monterey Rotary named her an Outstanding Teacher. Furthermore, the Fisherman's Wharf named her the Wharf Rat of the Year in 1995. The California Democratic Party recognized her for outstanding services. J.C. Penney gave her the Golden Rule Award. And the Old Monterey Business Association recognized her for exceptional dedication. The Monterey Civic Club honored her for being a community volunteer. Finally, the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments recognized her for 20 years of service. As I mentioned earlier, and as you can see from this lengthy list of accomplishments, Ruth was always moving, always involved. Her friends wondered if she ever had time to sleep. She adored her family and always seemed to be on her way to visit the next child. In fact, the tragic accident that led to her death occurred as she returned from visiting one of her three daughters, Lauren, Amy and Meslissa. Among the three of them, they have seven of Ruth and Dick's grandchildren. Ruth and Dick's home blended the elements of Ruth Vreeland's youth in China with Japanese culture that Dick Vreeland picked up in the Army. She was also involved with various organizations including the Monterey Vista Homeowners Association, Community of Caring, League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women, California Teachers Association, Monterey Bay Teachers Association, Responsible Hospitality, California Elected Women's Association for Education and Research, Monterey Main Street Program, National Organization of Women, Old Monterey Preservation Society, Sierra Club, ACLU, State Theater Preservation Group, Monterey Civic Club, Monterey History and Art Association, American Association for Retired Persons, California Retired Teachers' Association, and the Unitarian Church. She cooked Chinese food and raised the children to use chopsticks. A proud naturalized citizen from Canada, Vreeland also instilled civic values in her daughters. ``She believed in this country because she was naturalized in it and she taught me what patriotism is,'' her daughter said. Vreeland also continued to tackle the large-scale problems that had always energized her. The Sierra Club recognized her in the 1980's for fighting offshore drilling and sewage spills. She traveled to Sacramento and Washington to promote education and local government, rising to leadership roles with the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments and the League of California Cities. Vreeland was active in Democratic Party politics and was not afraid to bring progressive political causes to Monterey. She challenged the city in 1988 for not having enough women and minorities in management positions, and a decade later she discouraged the council from subsidizing the Boy Scouts because of its exclusionary policies toward gays. In the months before her death, Vreeland's last big project was saving education and local government in the face of California's budget crisis, a problem epic enough to discourage even the most ardent community activist. But not Ruth Vreeland. America will miss her. She came to this country to do good--we are all better for it and will miss her forever.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Paul and Sharon Elerick, one of the most active and dynamic couples I have ever known. For over 30 years, the Elericks have selflessly donated their time, resources and often their home, in hopes of electing laudable candidates to represent the community of Santa Cruz. Paul and Sharon share their time with many charitable organizations and community advocacy groups, but their hearts and souls remain dedicated to supporting and promoting the Democratic Party. It is my honor to recognize them as the ``Democrats of the Year'' by the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee. Paul and Sharon have embodied the spirit of the Democratic Party since the beginning of their relationship in 1958. Paul's involvement with politics started when he cast his vote for President Kennedy. Since then, he has steadily risen through the ranks of the local Democratic chapters, ultimately serving a successful 5-year term as the chair of the Santa Cruz County Democratic Central Committee. Sharon began her own political activism by organizing voters for Hubert Humphrey's presidential campaign. She has also served on the executive board of the Democratic Women's Club of Santa Cruz for several years. Both Paul and Sharon deserve enormous credit for securing vital funding for important local projects as well as sustaining the successful campaigns of many of our current legislators, including myself. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I congratulate the Elericks for being rewarded ``Democrats of the Year.'' I would also like to express my gratitude for their commitment to the community. The fruits of their years of dedication extend far beyond political appointments and we are grateful for their extensive contributions.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight in the hallowed halls of Congress to pay tribute to a colleague in public service, Monterey City Councilwoman Ruth Vreeland, who was killed in an auto accident on Highway 101 in Southern Monterey County. What a loss! This 68-year-old woman had the energy of one hundred locomotives. Involved in everything--teacher, statewide education activist, 20 year City Councilwoman, statewide League of Cities Activist, Democratic Party Activist, mother, member of various boards. . . . She was always there, always prepared, always wanting to do more. Born in Chunking, China, she grew up in Szechwan province where her parents worked as medical missionaries. Returning to Toronto, Canada in 1940, and moving to San Francisco where her parents taught at the University of California-Berkeley, Ruth earned a bachelor's degree in arts and education from San Francisco State University. She also met her husband, Dick Vreeland, there and then continued on to the University of San Francisco to earn a Master's Degree in organization development. In 1956, she moved to the Monterey Peninsula to teach school, and was elected to the Monterey City Council with the intention of protecting the quality of life in the City of Monterey. ``This town is more than buildings and streets, first it is people,'' she wrote in her campaign statement. She championed the tearing down of waterfront buildings so that people could see the Bay where California began. She replaced buildings with parks and recreational trails, now the highly successful ``Window on the Bay Project.'' She served in a variety of leadership positions including the League of California Cities Board of Directors, Institute for Local Self- Government, the 20th District Parent-Teacher Association, Monterey Bay Task Force, Quota International, Women in Municipal Government; Friends Outside of the Monterey County, and the Overall Economic Development Committee of Monterey County. She was also a Volunteers in Action Board Member, a Monterey City Council member since 1983, an alternate in the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Advisory Council and a former president of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG), the Monterey Peninsula Concert Association and the Winnie the Pooh Chapter of the Children's Home Society. She was also involved with various organizations, including the Monterey Vista Homeowners Association, Community of Caring, League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women, California Teachers Association, Monterey Bay Teachers Association, Responsible Hospitality, California Elected Women's Association for Education and Research, Monterey Main Street Program, National Organization of Women, Old Monterey Preservation Society, Sierra Club, ACLU, State Theater Preservation Group, Monterey Civic Club, Monterey History and Art Association, American Association for Retired Persons, California Retired Teachers' Association, and the Unitarian Church. Throughout her life, many of these organizations honored her outstanding commitment and service to our Bay community with awards. The Volunteers in Action honored her community service, the Sierra Club honored her for Outstanding Achievement, Planned Parenthood named her an Outstanding Woman in Politics, and the Monterey Rotary named her an Outstanding Teacher. Furthermore, the Fisherman's Wharf named her Wharf Rat of the Year in 1995, the California Democratic Party recognized her for Outstanding Service, J.C. Penney gave her the Golden Rule Award and the Old Monterey Business Association recognized her for Exceptional Dedication. The Monterey Civic Club honored her for being a Community Volunteer and finally, the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments recognized her for her 20 years of service. As I mentioned earlier, and as you can see from this lengthy list of accomplishments, Ruth was always moving, always involved. Her friends wondered if she ever had time to sleep. She adored her family and always seemed to be on her way to visit a child. In fact, the tragic accident that led to her death occurred as she returned from visiting one of her three daughters, Lauren, Amy and Melissa. Between the three of them they have seven of Ruth and Dick's grandchildren. Ruth and Dick's home blended elements of Ruth Vreeland's youth in China with the Japanese culture that Dick Vreeland picked up in the Army. She cooked Chinese food and raised the children to use chopsticks. A proud naturalized citizen from Canada, Ruth also instilled civic values in her daughters. ``She believed in this country because she was naturalized in it and she taught me what patriotism is,'' her daughter said. Throughout her life, Ruth tackled the large-scale problems that had always energized her. The Sierra Club recognized her in the 1980's for fighting offshore drilling and sewage spills. She traveled to Sacramento and Washington to promote education and local government, rising to leadership roles I previously mentioned with the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments and the League of California Cities. Ruth was active in Democratic Party politics and was not afraid to bring progressive political causes to Monterey. She challenged the city in 1988 for not having enough women and minorities in management positions, and a decade later she discouraged the council from subsidizing the Boy Scouts because of its exclusionary policies toward gays. In the months before her death, Vreeland's last big project was saving education and local government in the face of California's budget crisis, a problem epic enough to discourage even the most ardent community activist. But not Ruth Vreeland. America will miss her. She came to this country to do good--we are all better for it and will miss her forever.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joe Watson on being the 2004 recipient of the Monterey Peninsula NAACP Branch's highest award, The President's Award. This award is being presented to Mr. Watson for his lengthy and outstanding service, dedication and contributions the Monterey Peninsula Branch of the NAACP. Mr. Watson was born July 21, 1944, in Wilcox County, the town of Camden, Alabama during the height of Jim Crow segregation. The degradation that African Americans underwent during that period left an indelible imprint on Joe's life, resulting in a lifetime commitment for fighting for equal rights and social justice for all people. He graduated from Camden Academy High School in 1962 and entered the Armed Forces that same year, spending one tour of duty in Vietnam. After his tour in Vietnam, in which he was honorably discharged from the army, Mr. Watson relocated to the Monterey Peninsula, taking up residence in Seaside in 1966. While working for the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in Salinas, Joe was elected to the executive board of the local United Rubber Workers Union, AFL-CIO, and served on that board until 1980 when the plant closed. He took his union leadership with him when changing careers to a meat cutter, becoming first a member and then the leader of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 506. As shop steward and as an executive board member of the UFCW local, Joe was instrumental in bringing a civil rights activist's approach to dealing with issues and negative actions by employers against members of his union in their respective work places. Mr. Watson was greatly admired by co-workers who saw him as an unafraid union leader who was totally committed to standing up for them and working in their interest. During the mid-1970's, Mr. Watson became a member of the Monterey Peninsula Branch of the NAACP. Elected almost immediately to the Branch's Executive Committee, due in no small part to his union activism, Joe took over the Branch's Labor and Industry Committee. There he had the responsibility of resolving issues involving complaints of discriminatory practices in hiring, on the job treatment and terminations. Over the years, the Branch received recognition for the outstanding work Mr. Watson and that committee carried out in this area of work, including negotiating a National NAACP-sponsored ``Fair Share Hiring Agreement'' with the local stores owned by Albertson's, conunitting these stores to hiring, retaining and promoting minorities. In 1994, Mr. Watson was elected as President of the Monterey Peninsula Branch of the NAACP, serving until 2000. During his tenure as President, Joe continued to lead the Branch in dealing with issues of police abuse against minorities, hate crimes on the Peninsula and continued to strengthen the ties between the Branch and organized labor in this county. Joe has laid the groundwork for the kind of activism in our branch that continues to be followed and emulated by those who have come after him. True to his tradition as an activist, Mr. Watson continues his lifelong commitment to the struggle for and protection and extension of civil, labor and equal rights and social justice, making him most deserving of this award.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I am not from Illinois, but I have to tell my colleagues that Senator Simon was a man of all seasons, was a mentor and a teacher. And most importantly, when he talked, people listened. I remember when the Defense Language Institute, which is our premier language school in the world, and he was very dedicated to having Americans learn languages, and it was threatened for closure, he called President Clinton and said, do not take that off the list. Clinton said, why are you interested in a base that is in California? And Senator Simon said, because it is an intellectual capital for languages and we need to keep it that way. A very impressive man. The country will greatly miss him. He was the epitome of politics, the greatness of politics in America.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to rise today in honor of Andrew Uram's 81st birthday. A World War II veteran, loving father and grandfather, and upstanding citizen, Andrew Uram embodies the 20th century American Dream. Born December 18, 1922 to an immigrant father and a first-generation Swedish Danish American, Andrew was one of eight children of Andy Sr. and Minnie Uram, who met while Mr. Uram was a soldier during the First World War. Andrew continued this tradition, enlisting in the Navy on March 20, 1941--seven months before the United States entered WWII. His initial training was as an aviation machinist in Alaska, however he quickly rose to the rank of Seaman 1st class by the outbreak of the war. Following his service in Alaska, Andrew arrived three days after the invasion of Tawara, located in the South Pacific. There, he saw some of the most intense fighting he ever saw during the war, as his group was bombed throughout the night by Japanese forces. The sound and vibration from the bombs made his whole body ring like a bell, and he lost his hearing in one ear. However, he continued to serve throughout the night and next day with honor; indeed, his Navy career continued for years to come--thirteen in all. After retiring from the military, Andrew moved with his wife and daughter to Burlington, Washington, and later to California. He continued his work in mechanics, this time with automobiles, retiring as the Senior Auto Mechanic at the garage he worked in. He and his wife retired back to Washington, but have since moved to Soquel, California, to be with their daughter and granddaughter. He continues to be active, and is well known to the birds of the Monterey Bay coastline, where he goes to feed them often. Andrew Uram has led a long and honorable life, serving his country and raising a wonderful family. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this moment to extend my congratulations as he and his family celebrate his birthday this year.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the passing of one of our nation's great heroes. Jack Reid, a former Naval Aviator who helped turn the tide of World War II, passed away on December 12, 2003 in Santa Cruz County. Many veterans throughout California and beyond will observe his passing. He was ninety years old. Mr. Reid was born in Kentucky, in the small town of Bandana, and was an excellent student. However, the hard times of the Great Depression precluded college, so he joined the Navy in 1933. His hard work and dedication to service earned him the chance to attend flight training, which he began in 1937, graduating as a Naval Aviation Pilot in 1938. After receiving his wings, he continued his education, attending the University of Washington and earning a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from LaSalle Extension University in Chicago. Mr. Reid is perhaps most well known for his role in the Battle of Midway, in the Pacific. On June 3, 1942, he spotted the Japanese fleet 800 miles from Midway Island, allowing Admiral Nimitz and the fleet commanders to prepare and successfully defend their position. In an interview in May of 2002, Mr. Reid commented, ``It was the greatest naval battle in the history of the world--a battle we won that we should have lost.'' What he did not acknowledge was that it was his early action and information that helped save the day, and eventually the war. His naval service continued after the war, including piloting dignitaries such as Madame Chiang Kai-shek and Admiral Radford, and he finally retired with the rank of Captain after twenty-five years of service. He continued his interest in naval history and aviation, speaking as a panelist before symposiums at the National Air and Space Museum and on the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Battle of Midway. Mr. Reid settled in Aptos, California, in 1967, after a successful second career as a real estate broker and developer. He was a life member of the California Alumni Association and a member of the Who's Who in California, as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10110 in Aptos. I have also heard that he was an avid golfer, and enjoyed the many courses available in our area. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this moment to honor Jack Reid for the service he gave to his country, for his continuing efforts to make a difference in the world, and for his significant contributions to the history of naval aviation in World War II. He will be greatly missed by his family, including his wife, Ina Mae Reid; two sons, Hal Reid and Jim Reid; his sister, Berah McKinney; his grandson, Jim Reid and two great grandchildren. His grandson, Steve Reid, preceded him in death in 1991. In addition to his large and loving family, Jack will be missed and remembered by all who knew him.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mother Deola Booker, a dedicated community leader and an exceptional gospel singer, who passed away recently. She was an active member of the Christian Memorial Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Congregation in Seaside, California, for over twenty years. Her dedication to her church was matched only by her dedication to her community, for which she received numerous awards and recognition. Among them was a certificate of recognition for her work with the Monterey County Department of Social Services Children's Services presented by me on behalf of the California Legislative Assembly in 1991. She was also a well-known and well-loved musician, gracing those who knew her with her amazing voice and talented piano playing. She shared this love of music with others through her work directing choirs, as well. Mother Booker will be greatly missed by the many that knew her, were helped by her, or who shared in her love and kindness to all people. Those who were touched by her will forever remember her spirit of service and faith.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Leon and Sylvia Panetta, both dedicated members of the Central Coast and Washington, DC communities. Specifically, I would like to address their efforts regarding the founding of the Panetta Institute, a non-partisan center for the study of public policy. Located at the California State University, Monterey Bay, the institute serves the entire CSU system, as well as providing insight and policy information for legislators around the country. Soon after its founding in 1998, the Panetta Institute quickly became an integral contributor to the political community in a variety of media. One of the main focuses of the program is to equip today's young people with the practical skills of governance, all the while inspiring a life-long dedication to public service. In these efforts to develop ambitious and successful leaders, the Panettas have, in turn, provided legislators in California and DC with over 120 well-trained and informed interns. It suffices to say that, through their thoughtful and effective program, the Panettas have designed a quality system that greatly benefits both the student and legislative office. After working with students from the Panetta Institute in my office, it is clear that they are well oriented with the governmental process. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to commend Leon and Sylvia Panetta for their commitment to supporting sustainable progress in the 21st century by researching public policy and nourishing tomorrow's leaders. Their many contributions to all of us in office are invaluable. I am honored to represent the Panettas in Congress, as well as to hold the office that Leon himself held with dignity prior to my tenure.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a fallen soldier, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Nason, a dedicated patriot who gave 19 years of his life to military service. Mr. Nason was killed in a motor vehicle accident while serving in Iraq on November 23, 2003. Mr. Nason is survived by his sister Gina Nason. A young man seeking focus in life, Christopher Nason enlisted in the Air Force in 1985 at the age of 20. Nason attended the Defense Language Institute (DLI) in Monterey, CA in June of 1995 through May of 1996, where he excelled in his studies of Arabic. He became a warrant officer in 1999 and was assigned to the 306th MI (Military Intelligence) Battalion out of Fort Huachuca, AZ before he was deployed to Iraq. Those who knew him best reflect on his transition into a strong and irreplaceable member of the armed forces and mourn the loss of their friend, brother and leader. As an expert in the Arabic language, Chief Warrant Officer Nason's services were extremely valuable to the Army, both in combat and in the classroom. After graduating from the DLI in 1996, he taught intelligence officers Arabic at both the DLI and Fort Gordon, GA. As a respected member of the DLI faculty, he successfully fulfilled the mission of the institute by helping to develop proficient linguists who would then be utilized for a variety of missions that would support national security interests. The DLI, located in my congressional district, is the world's largest foreign language school. It is the Department of Defense's only foreign language school that not only educates soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in mission-specific foreign languages, but also on the history, culture and current events in the region in which their language is spoken. The courses are intensive and demanding as well as incredibly adaptive, in order to reflect U.S. military priorities around the globe. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I would like to offer condolences to Officer Nason's family and friends, as well as to those service members who will no longer benefit from his exceptional leadership. This nation was privileged to have a person of his caliber serving in our armed forces.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, Dynamic social activist, tireless volunteer, caring mother, innovative supporter, teacher--Shirley Prussin has filled many shoes during her time in the Monterey Peninsula. Today, however, I rise to recognize Shirley in another role, as a close and dear friend. Sadly, after a rich three decades on the Central Coast of California, Shirley has decided to move to Florida. I cannot overstate her importance in my life. Her departure marks a tremendous loss for our community. Shirley's life and accomplishments on the Central Coast have helped hundreds, if not thousands of people in the area. Shirley has had a leadership role in countless organizations that affect the citizenry of the Monterey Peninsula profoundly: the ACLU, the Democratic Woman's Club, the Reproductive Rights Coalition, the YWCA, Planned Parenthood-- it's impossible to name all the groups that she has lent her leadership and support. As an advocate for human rights and political activism, Shirley's commitment to grass-roots politics is truly an inspiration. Shirley's political resume dates back to 1947; while in Southern California, she worked for Tome Rees' race for State Assembly. Since then, here dedication to social justice and a better world has led her to work on, and in many cases lead, numberless community-based organizations. Shirley's kindness, compassion and empathy for her fellow community members remains unparalleled. It's difficult to express how deeply her loss will affect me, but I would like to wish her well with the rest of her life's journeys. Somewhere in Florida, there's an extremely lucky community that is about to receive an amazing person, and I am sad to see her go.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Ronald H. Ruby, whose lifelong commitment to educating others influenced lives of people from the Central Coast of California to Norway. His mother, Ruth Bittman, his wife Dorothy Ruby, two daughters, two sons, and two grandchildren survive Mr. Ruby, who passed away on November 5, 2003. Mr. Ruby was born in San Francisco, California on December 1, 1932. He attended UC Berkeley, and after receiving a bachelor's degree in physics he served in the U.S. Navy. Following his tenure in the Navy, Mr. Ruby returned to Berkeley to obtain his PhD. He was subsequently recruited to join the faculty of UC Santa Cruz as a physicist and remained there from 1965 to 1991, while also conducting research at UCSC and University of Oslo in Norway. I have been told that Mr. Ruby was an amazing educator; his innovative teaching techniques enthralled both students and colleagues. Not only was Mr. Ruby an astonishing educator but he was also a loving husband, father, and sports enthusiast. Mr. Ruby met his wife Dorothy Bell as he began graduate school at UC Berkeley. The two began a family and raised four children in Santa Cruz. Mr. Ruby enjoyed bike riding, competitive rowing, and Nordic skiing. He also found time to coach the UCSC rugby team. Mr. Ruby had an admirable career at UC Santa Cruz and dedicated himself to teaching and research. I join the Santa Cruz community in honoring the life of Mr. Ronald Ruby, whose dedication and contributions were truly commendable.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the dedication, spirit, and accomplishments of my good friend Sargent Shriver who celebrated his 88th birthday last week. I met Sarge while I was in Peace Corps Training in Questa, New Mexico in 1963. He was a hero figure: handsome, smart, engaging, and the President's brother-in-law. We were all so proud of being chosen to be in one of the early waves of the Peace Corps. President John F. Kennedy asked our nation's citizens to ``ask not what this country could do for you, but what you can do for your country.'' Sargent Shriver was a living demonstration of the way to serve and the spirit it took to launch the new and bold idea of the Peace Corps. Peace Corps began under Sargent Shriver's directorship on March 1, 1961. Today, over 170,000 Americans, including six members of Congress, have served in 136 countries. Many volunteers who served under Sargent Shriver have become Ambassadors, Presidents of Universities, and Chairmen of major corporations. Sargent Shriver began his public service in the United States Navy where he earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following his naval career, Sargent Shriver dedicated himself to the societal problems facing the youth of the country--organizing the National Conference on Prevention and Control of Juvenile Delinquency in Washington and serving as the President of the Chicago Board of Education. He continued to foster quality social programming through the creation of VISTA, Head Start, Community Action, Foster Grandparents, Job Corps, Legal Services, Indian and Migrant Opportunities and Neighborhood Health Services. In addition, Sargent Shriver has served on the Board of many humanitarian organizations, including as President of the Special Olympics Sargent Shriver's dedication to living his ideals, and making them a reality has inspired subsequent generations to do the same. His invaluable contributions to the formation and longevity of the Peace Corps has brought hope to people around the world and has educated generations of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, such as myself, in the necessity and value of public service. The Peace Corps continues to be a means for understanding the cultures, and languages of the world while recognizing the differences between different countries. The vision of peace that Director Shriver has committed so much time and energy to has only become more important during this time of war. Director Shriver once wisely said, ``I say what our nation needs now is a call to peace and service--peace and service on a scale we have scarcely begun to imagine.'' Mr. Speaker, today I honor Sargent Shriver and wish him the very best in the coming year.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that I am able to rise today to recognize Mayor David Pendergrass, a dedicated public servant of Sand City, California. Mayor Pendergrass has served Sand City for 25 years, where throughout his tenure as a Mayor- Councilmember, Mayor Pendergrass has distinguished himself as a strong leader. Under Mayor Pendergrass' leadership, the City of Sand City has been enhanced in many different ways. He has overseen the establishment of an active redevelopment program and agency, the organization of a modern city government with a City Administrator-Council administrative structure, and maintained an on-going forum to receive and respond to citizens' concerns. Furthermore, Mayor Pendergrass has been able to keep Sand City's focus on its primary goals with diplomacy, patience, and consideration. Mayor Pendergrass' committed public service has improved the quality of life at Sand City, California. He has made great contributions, and his lifelong dedication to public service is commendable. His achievements are truly honorable, and I along with the City of Sand City, honor this great man.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Donna Teresa, a compassionate and devoted member of the children's literacy community. In recognition of her activism, Ms. Teresa has been selected by Reading is Fundamental, as the Western representative for the ``2003 Anne Richardson Reading is Fundamental Volunteer of the Year.'' For over six years, Ms. Teresa has worked tirelessly to develop and improve literacy programs at Henry F. Kammann School. In this effort, she has truly embodied the spirit of volunteerism and empathy that is attributed to the distinguished few who receive this award. In her position as the school librarian, Ms. Teresa has restored the wonder and excitement that reading can provide to our Nation's children. She understands the value of literacy and has implemented many new programs to encourage reading, including a summer program that gives each a child a free book. Ms. Teresa has expressed her concern that for many of her students, books are scarce at home and the break from school puts many students behind their peers. This type of understanding and consideration of a student's living situation has allowed Ms. Teresa to reach out to each child and cater to their interests and needs. She also manages a student book club with more than 60 students and personally acquaints herself with each new text before giving it to a child to ensure that it is appropriate for their reading level and interests. Ms. Teresa derives her inspiration from the hope that her push towards literacy will encourage students to continue their education and make better choices down the line. Her efforts have also been recognized in Monterey County, where she was recently awarded the ``2003 Monterey County Lighthouse for Literacy.'' Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to honor the accomplishments of Donna Teresa and express sincere gratitude for her commitment to our community's children. I wish Ms. Teresa much success in her endeavors and I am confident that the efforts of those who strive to improve literacy will be valued for many generations to come.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's hope to be the world leader in clean energy is flushed down the drain with this bill. This bill is about old politics, old oil, old coal. It is about making us more dependent, not less dependent on fossil fuels. It is about tax breaks to the polluting companies. It is about power lines through national forests and offshore oil drilling. It is about removing State and local governments from the planning and conditioning of energy projects in their backyards. It is about opening up the coast of California for oil drilling. The bill is a slap in the face to innovation and creativity and to alternatives. Wake up, Japan and Europe, this bill hands you the world's future for clean energy technology development. It is a sad day when the United States Congress looks at our energy future by looking in the rear view mirror. Hunters and Anglers Agree: Public Lands Provisions of the Energy Bill Are Unwise Dear Senator Domenici and Representative Tauzin: We, the undersigned organizations, represent millions of hunters, anglers, wildlife and fish professionals and commercial interests, and others concerned about fish and wildlife habitat. The Energy Bill presently in conference between the Senate and the House of Representatives contains numerous oil and gas leasing provisions that could diminish conservation measures on public lands for water resources, wildlife and fish habitats, and scenic landscapes. As you know, informed energy development does not have to impact fish and wildlife and their habitats on public land. Public lands are home to some of the most important fish and wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities in the nation. We urge you to resist reducing protection of the lands and waters that sustain these resources. Specifically, we are concerned about certain provisions within the Oil and Gas title of the bill that may have the effect of elevating energy development on public lands to a dominant use over fish and wildlife, water, recreation, and other multiple-use values. We believe this is both unwise and unnecessary. Fish, wildlife, and water resources found on our public lands are extremely valuable, and are growing more so each day as private lands become developed. We urge you to ensure that these resources receive the high level of stewardship they deserve, and conservation efforts for them are enhanced, not undermined, by the Energy Bill on which you are working. Thank you for considering our recommendations. American Fisheries Society. American Fly Fishing Trade Association. Campfire Club of America. Izaak Walton League of America. North American Grouse Partnership. Pure Fishing. Trout Unlimited. Wildlife Management Institute. American Sportfishing Association. International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Mule Deer Foundation. Orion the Hunters Institute. The Wildlife Society. Wildlife Forever.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Conference Report of H.R. 1588, the Defense Authorization Act. This bill contains anti-environmental provisions that roll back fundamental protections of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). H.R. 1588 exempts the military from protecting endangered species. Provisions in this Conference Report compromise the survival of some 300 threatened and endangered species living on military lands by prohibiting the designation of critical habitat as mandated under the ESA. Instead, military lands will be managed under Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans, prepared by the Secretary of Defense. Currently, such plans have no definitions, no standards, and no limits. Such sweeping changes in the management of species living on military lands are completely unnecessary. Sea otters and toads do not and will not prevent our military from being the best trained and prepared in the world. But if for some reason the toads rise up, the military already has, but never has used, a national security exemption as part of ESA. The military has shown so little previous concern with this issue that it was only in March of this year that the Department of Defense began developing guidance on how to assess and process exemptions requests inappropriate situations. Marine mammal protection is under its greatest fire today. Although unnecessary from the start, a full exemption from the MMPA was granted for military readiness activities in the version of this bill that passed the House on May 22, 2003. The Senate version of the bill contained no MMPA exemption for any reason. How then did it come to pass that the Conference Report we debate today broadens the exemption to include scientific research activities by the Federal Government? The Conference Report, agreed to by Republican conferees behind closed doors, opens gaping loopholes in the management of marine mammals and creates unequal standards for ocean users. This is both unfair to the marine mammals struggling to survive and to the shipping, fishing, and tourism industries, which will now be held to different standards under MMPA than scientific researchers and the Navy. The ``encroachment'' of civilian communities on military managed lands is a serious problem as the separation between where people live and where the military trains decreases. As such, there has never been a more necessary time for the military to look out for the public's best interest. The public wants and needs a healthy and well-managed environment and for the military to be held to complying with our nation's fundamental environmental protection laws. The military should be listening to its neighbors and respecting their requests, and Congress should have listened to its constituents and prevented the weakening of the ESA and MMPA.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tim Jenkins, who passed away unexpectedly on October 2, 2003. He served as one of my campaign staffers when I originally ran for the California State Assembly many years ago, and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his mother, Doris Jenkins, and his son, Nolan Jenkins. Tim Jenkins was born in Winthrop, Massachusetts, but had lived in California for much of his life, and made Santa Cruz his home for nearly thirty years. He transferred to UC Santa Cruz in 1974 as a psychology major, but he is best known on the Central Coast for his political activism. In addition to the effort he put in to my campaign for the State Assembly, he also worked as a campaign strategist for, among others, County Supervisor Mardi Wormhoudt and Santa Cruz City Council member Mike Rotkin and Emily Reilly, the current mayor. Without the hard work and dedication to progressive politics that Tim embodied, Santa Cruz would not be the way it is today. His friends and family have established ``The Tim Jenkins Scholarship Fund'' in his memory, which will help support future UC Santa Cruz student activists. The annual scholarship will be awarded to a student who demonstrates a notable commitment to practical, progressive politics and academic excellence. For Tim, politics was about more than running for office; it was a lifelong commitment to changing society for the better. His passion for politics that people could believe in was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Tim Jenkins' achievements and accomplishments. Throughout his life he demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our community through his political work. His character and dedication have made lasting impacts on our community and the people with whom he worked, myself included. I join the County of Santa Cruz, and friends and family in honoring this truly commendable man and all of his lifelong achievements.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Terry Brickley, who passed away from pneumonia on October 6, 2003. Throughout his life, Terry was an exceptional community activist and a tireless crusader of rights for the disabled, himself a sufferer from multiple sclerosis. He is survived by his life partner of thirteen years, Sally Jorgensen, his daughter, Tori Bradford, and her husband and son. A native Californian, Terry lived in Santa Cruz for the past thirty- seven years and has played an important role in this community during that time. He played a vital role in making public spaces handicap accessible, including making the transit district in Santa Cruz the first in the country to have fully accessible buses, long before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. In addition to his amazing work as an activist, Terry also founded, headed, and sat on the boards of several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of the disabled, including Adaptability Unlimited; a San Francisco chapter of the California Association for Physically Handicapped which is now the Californians for Disability Rights; and the Stroke Center at Cabrillo College. I had personal contact with him while serving in the California Assembly, as we worked together to pass a bill that would allow people eager to return to work to remain on Disability Insurance until their new job insurance came into effect. With the passage of this bill, it made it possible for more people to return to work and once again participate in their community. He has shown it is possible for one person to make a difference in the lives of so many people, not only in his local community but across the state, in starting a movement that works to guarantee equal rights for all Americans. Terry was an inspiration to me and his legacy will not easily be forgotten. He was a true friend and will be missed by many. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Terry Brickley's achievements and accomplishments. Throughout his life he demonstrated an outstanding commitment to this community and to equal rights nationwide that should serve as an inspiration to everyone. His service is admirable and his character and dedication have made lasting impacts on our community and the people with whom he worked, myself included. I join the County of Santa Cruz, and friends and family in honoring this truly commendable man and all of his lifelong achievements.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steve Belcher, retiring Chief of Police for the city of Santa Cruz. Serving for more than 32 years in the Santa Cruz Police Department, Chief Belcher will surely be missed by both his co-workers and the residents of Santa Cruz. His unyielding commitment to public service has, for the past three decades, won him the respect and admiration of the community as a whole. A graduate of Santa Cruz High School, Steve has lived in Santa Cruz for almost all of his life. In front of his proud wife, Sisi, and two daughters, Erin and Amy, Steve will retire on November 5, 2003. After 32\1/2\ years of service, Steve, with his characteristic humility, will boast a lengthy list of accomplishments and achievements. Chief Belcher was sworn in as Police Patrol Officer on May 26, 1971, and has been a steadfast leader in the department ever since. His poise and leadership have enabled him to rise up the ranks of the Santa Cruz Police Department, culminating in his appointment to the position as Chief of Police on September 30, 1994. Holding the positions of Sergeant, Lieutenant and Deputy Chief of Police, Steve has excelled in every facet of his job. His entire career, from police patrol officer to his current position as Chief of Police, has been with the Santa Cruz Police Department. Over the years, Steve has achieved an extremely long list of accolades and accomplishments, many of which will leave an indelible footprint on the entire community. Chief Belcher has improved training, staffing and community policing policies, and has overseen a steady decline in the overall crime rate. Focusing on the problems facing the Beach Flats area of Santa Cruz, Chief Belcher has promoted a strong spirit of community development and civic participation. Steve has received an overwhelming amount of praise for this work, and humbly takes credit for helping the department create a Spanish Citizens Police Academy. I am proud to call Steve a friend. A colleague in the realm of public service, Steve possesses the qualities that personify good police work. I would like to wish him well in his retirement, and thank him for the outstanding--above and beyond the call of duty--service that he has provided our community for the past three decades.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of California, Santa Cruz's Long Marine Lab on celebrating its twenty- fifth anniversary on October 25th, 2003. The Joseph M. Long Marine Laboratory is a research and education facility of Institute of Marine Sciences and is known throughout the world for innovative research on marine mammals, marine ecology, and issues relating to ocean health. The Long Marine Lab has grown from a few marine scientists into a research institute with more than 170 scientists and research associates, 130 graduate students, and $12 million in annual research funds. With its collaborative interdisciplinary approach to programs and facilities, Long Marine Laboratory enables students from the University of California, Santa Cruz to engage in hands-on research, and to have the opportunity to work with professionals in their field of study. The site is also home to the California Department of Fish and Game Marine Wildlife Center, the National Marine Fisheries Service's Southwest Science Center, and plans are underway to bring coastal and marine scientists from the United States Geological Survey. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center houses the lab's public education and visitor programs and brings marine research to life for 50,000 schoolchildren and other public visitors every year. Programs such as this are vital to teaching children about conservation and the marine environment, and ensuring that they will continue the struggle to save and preserve our oceans. The President of the University of California has chosen this day to name one of the original Long Marine Laboratory buildings the William T. Doyle Research Building in honor of Bill Doyle, founding director of the Institute of Marine Sciences, for his great vision, wisdom, and persistence in the establishment and early development of the Long Marine Laboratory. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Bill Doyle's memory and the dedicated work of the many staff and researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz's Long Marine Laboratory. Through their commitment to marine research they are able to offer new solutions and approaches to conservation and preservation of our oceans. The lab's twenty-fifth anniversary is a tribute to the role it plays in our community, and I wish the Long Marine Laboratory the best successes for the future.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the strong bond between the Monterey Institute of International Studies and the Peace Corps. The Monterey Institute is strongly committed to preparing individuals for two years of dedicated service in the Peace Corps with a new Master's International Program. Students who successfully return after volunteering in the Peace Corps through the Master's International Program are eligible to receive scholarships, which can cover eight of the remaining credits for the final semester. This has become a great tool for students in fulfilling their educational requirements. Since its inception in 1961, President John F. Kennedy challenged the youth of this country to experience and work to relieve the poverty in underdeveloped countries. After 42 years, the Peace Corps have grown to have over 170,000 volunteers in 136 different countries. These courageous and enthusiastic young people have helped change third world countries through education, business development, and most recently, volunteers are helping as a part of President Bush's HIV/AIDS Act of 2003. I am proud to say that I share the honorable and memorable experience of volunteering my service for the Peace Corps in Colombia during 1964- 66. Mr. Lawrence Horan, the Director of the Monterey Institute of International Studies, had the same experience with the Peace Corps and today is now helping hundreds of current volunteers through their experience. Mr. Horan, the Monterey Institute of International Studies, and the Peace Corps as well should be commended for helping shape the world into a better place.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1446, which is known as the California Missions Preservation Act. This is truly a bipartisan piece of legislation cosponsored by 48 of my California colleagues. I also want to thank the efforts of the gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall) for moving this legislation to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, even before the fuse that led to the explosion of American independence was lit at the Boston Tea Party, the first California mission was established in San Diego in 1769. The last mission in the chain was established in 1823 in Sonoma. All 21 missions are California registered historical landmarks, seven of which have Federal status of national historical landmarks. I am fortunate to have five of the 21 missions in my congressional district extending along the coast of California on what is known as the El Camino Real, or the King's Highway, that would link the missions, now commonly known as Highway 101. Those missions are in Santa Cruz, in San Juan Bautista, in the city of Soledad, a mission called San Antonio de Padua which is in Fort Hunter Liggett; and in my own hometown of Carmel, San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo, known as Carmel Mission. The California missions represent a historic vein running through the State from the south to the north. They also symbolize the east to west exploration that expanded our Nation to its four corners. Of all the institutions that define California's heritage, none has the historic significance and emotional impact of the chain of Spanish missions that stretch from San Diego to Sonoma. The missions are an important part of the State's cultural fabric and must be preserved as priceless historic monuments. They are a living link to our past. The missions stand as landmarks of more than 2 centuries and are recognized for the important impact they have had on the development of California, including California art, architecture, agriculture, food, music, language, apparel, and recreation. The missions help drive tourism, the State's third largest industry. These symbols of California are the most visited historical attractions in the State, attracting over 5.3 million visitors a year. They account for a sizable contribution to the State's economy from millions of tourists, including a large number of international visitors. And they have become synonymous with the State's fourth grade curriculum. Students build mission models and write research reports as part of California history lessons. This serves as an important education function in teaching young students about the role of missions in the history of our State and our Nation. For 230 years, the missions have stood as symbols of Western exploration and settlement. Time, natural deterioration, and neglect have taken a toll on the missions. Some are crumbling and are at risk of full destruction. Most need preservation and seismic work to restore their antique beauty and bring them up to modern safety standards. Without immediate repairs, these centuries-old structures could be lost. The need is urgent and of near-crisis proportions: rotting roofs, cracking tiles, crumbling adobe. The backlog of needed repairs is long, the price tag is high, and the message is clear: the California missions need our help. Now. H.R. 1446 will provide an important step toward addressing some of the most severe problems the missions are facing. This legislation provides authorization for funding of up to $10 million over 5 years. In partnership with the State of California and in partnership with the California Missions Foundation, a statewide funding campaign has begun. Under this legislation, the process requires that each mission submit a list to the foundation of its most urgent preservation needs. All mission repairs and restoration projects are reviewed, approved, and supervised by professionals qualified in the disciplines of history, history archaeology, architectural history, planning, architecture, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, conservation, landscape architecture, or related fields. Projects must be accomplished in accordance with the applicable Secretary of the Interior's standards for the treatment of historical properties. All repairs and capital improvements must have competitive bids, which the foundation's funding review committee reviews. The foundation board of directors assesses the proposal and has final approval on all restoration projects funded. The missions are required to submit timely progress reports and an accounting to the foundation on all projects funded. Since the Spanish friars and native peoples joined together in building these settlements, the land we call California has been shaped and influenced by what they accomplished in the most ambitious undertaking. From the vineyards of Sonoma to the ranches of Santa Barbara to the adobe arcades and red tile roofs of San Diego, the California missions have left their mark on who we are and what we have become. H.R. 1446 presents us with the opportunity to address the needs of the missions and to preserve an integral part of our Nation's history and the heritage of the West that combines with the East to make this truly the United States.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. This debate tonight is not about support of our troops. There is not a Member of Congress that does not support our troops. And it is not about national security. It is about one thing. It is about politics. And I say that for three reasons: First of all, the timing. It was just a year ago that we were rushed to judgment to give the President the authority to unilaterally invade Iraq, at a time when the U.N. inspectors were saying give us more time; we have not found weapons of mass destruction. If they are there, give us more time to look for them, which had the support of the international community. But why was that vote passed a year ago today? Because it was on the eve of the November elections and the President wanted the vote before the November elections so he could use it in the campaigns. We followed that vote last spring with a $78 billion supplemental request. That money does not run out until next April. In the defense appropriations bill, we put enough money in for the troops, so why now? Why have this vote now? Could it be the rush to judgment this year is to get it as far away from the next November elections? Because if we went to next spring, there may not be national support for this bill. I think today is a sure rush to judgment, and I do not think we need to do that. We need to prove to the world that we have a workable plan. The second is capacity. Where is the building of Iraq capacity? Look at the number of idle people in Iraq, unpaid. Yet American contractors are rushing in on American salaries and American consultant fees who require protection of American troops in order to do the American work in Iraq. We ought to be spending that money on building the capacity for the Iraqis to do it, not for American corporations. And lastly, the contracting. These are emergency appropriations. They are asking that we forego the regular corporate way of giving out contracts. There is no transparency. This is a gift of funds to American companies, not to Iraqi people. This Emergency Appropriations bill can't be called the ``Iraq bailout bill'' when the contracts only go to businesses friendly to the partisan interests of the White House. The money doesn't go to Iraq, it goes to K Street. It goes to American companies that pay U.S. consultant wages, not the wages earned by Iraqis. Timing is not necessary, its political capacity building for Iraq is not planned. Contracts don't help earn friends but create animosity. I have and will continue to vote against the wrong approach to winning peace in the Middle East.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. I rise today in strong support of the Capps motion to instruct conferees on the energy bill. Basically, this assessment of the oil and gas mineral deposits out there, one does not need to be done because it has already been done. I know from the leases that they have all done, the lease companies have submitted their preferences all along the California coast. The information the Federal Government wanted it has already gotten. But that is not the issue. The issue is why would we do this in the first place, and why would we do it if we already have the information? Why would we do it is like saying, well, let us go out and see what the value is of developing subdivisions in our national parks, or taking the national Mall here and saying, what would be the potential for development along the Mall? Why would you want that information, unless that is what you are going to do? Now, both Presidents Bush and Clinton have put oil and gas moratoria on the California coast. This legislature, for years and years, Congress has passed prohibitions on allowing the Minerals Management Agency to go further in offshore development. I mean, there has been a clear sign that we do not want to do that. We do not want to go there. We do not want to do that. So essentially this gives the wrong message to everybody: oh, we are going to collect the information because although we do not want to do it, maybe we want to do it. That is a waste of taxpayers' money, it is a waste of time, and, frankly, it is very discouraging for the civil servants who have to go out and get this information. Lastly, it is just the wrong thing to do. If we are going to assess that, why do we not assess whether there is oil under the National Cathedral or under the United States Capitol or under Yosemite National Park or places like that. Because, indeed, with our national marine sanctuaries we have already said we are not going to allow drilling in those sacred spots.