Sam Farr

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the inauguration of two new residential colleges at the University of California, Santa Cruz. When this university opened in 1965 it chose to undertake a bold experiment in its college system, which today is hailed as a resounding success. The University of California, Santa Cruz serves as a national model for undergraduate education within the context of a major research university. These residential colleges make it possible for students to enjoy the resources and academic vigor of a major research university within supportive living and learning communities. In addition, the colleges provide students with opportunities for social and cultural events, academic excellence including research, internship programs and community-service and scholarships for academic achievement. Colleges Nine and Ten are a welcome addition to the University of California, Santa Cruz, and their respective themes of International and Global Perspectives, and Social Justice and Community will serve as inspiration for students both today and in the future. This celebration to inaugurate the two new colleges is also a celebration of the positive effects higher education can have on issues such as social justice and international cooperation. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the achievements of the University of California, Santa Cruz in creating an excellent learning experience through the college system and I am proud to commemorate the inauguration of Colleges Nine and Ten.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary of the Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation. Robinson Jeffers lived in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, from 1914 until his death in 1962, and the stone house and tower that he built there provided a powerful inspiration for his poetry. It is thanks to the hard work of many local residents that we are fortunate to have Tor House preserved for us today as an important part of our local history. The heirs to the property, Donnan Jeffers and his wife, Lee, were in agreement that the buildings should be preserved as a literary shrine to Donnan's father, Robinson Jeffers, and that the property should have public and educational uses as a museum and scholarship center. Many local and national figures were involved in creating awareness of and raising money for the project: actress Dame Judith Anderson, photographer Ansel Adams, National Trust President James Biddle, publisher Ward Ritchie, Carmel resident Maggie Downer, Rockefeller advisor Joe Lee, poet and Monterey Peninsula College instructor Allston James, and many others. Also instrumental in the purchase of the Tor House was Carmel resident, former California State Senator, Fred Farr, who at the time was chair of the National Trust, Monterey Council. With the generous contributions of many individuals and the Carmel City Council, the Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation, Inc., a non- profit organization, formally took possession of the property on February 28, 1979. Building upon the prescient and extraordinary efforts of many people in the late 1970's, subsequent Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation Boards and docents during the Foundation's 25 year history have worked tirelessly and successfully to make the dream of preserving Tor House a reality. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea in honoring the dedicated work of the Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation. Their 25th anniversary is a tribute to the remarkable effort by the Tor House Foundation to preserve the property and the buildings of Carmel's revered and internationally known poet, Robinson Jeffers.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Peter Troxell on his recent retirement as the station manager at KUSP. For 10 years he has run this Santa Cruz-based community radio station, making changes and improvements, and never forgetting the people whom it serves. When Peter took over as the station manager in 1993, KUSP was in serious debt and he had some hard decisions to make. While he may not have always done what was popular, he managed to bring the station out of debt within a year, and used the new money to make some much-needed improvements. KUSP doubled the number of signal translators, and added another station, KBDH in San Ardo, so that today their signal is reached in 5 counties. Last year the station underwent a major remodeling, making the space professional and comfortable. Peter's first commitment at KUSP has always been to his employees. He trusts in their abilities and works with them to foster their talents. The many employees and volunteers at KUSP regard Peter as a father figure whom they can depend on and trust. He takes this commitment seriously and understands that the station cannot function without its dedicated employees. This is a welcome change from many businesses that see employees as the first to go when times are tough. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Peter Troxell's achievements and accomplishments. He has shown an outstanding commitment to both KUSP and the community of Santa Cruz during his decade as the station manager, and his service will be greatly missed. Running a non-profit, independent radio station is not an easy task, but through his hard work and dedication, Peter has guaranteed that we will not lose this valuable resource. I join the County of Santa Cruz, and friends and family in honoring this truly commendable man and all of his achievements at KUSP.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of Del Rey Oaks on celebrating its fiftieth birthday on September 13, 2003. This small residential community on the Monterey Peninsula was incorporated on September 4, 1953 and embodies the best qualities of the Central Coast. In many ways, Del Rey Oaks is an idyllic town, with its large open space and parkland, low crime and unemployment rates, and high voter turnout. The citizens of Del Rey Oaks are proud of their community, with good reason, and work hard to maintain this quality of life. After fifty years, the town continues to grow, but has not forgotten its humble beginnings. The city celebrated its birthday and its history with an old fashioned picnic in the park, complete with the planting of oak trees and the burying of a time capsule. This town symbolizes the wonderful nature of the people and communities of the Monterey Peninsula, I am pleased to honor the fiftieth birthday of the City of Del Rey Oaks.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet for his efforts promoting dialogue to bring peace to Tibetan lands and an end to oppression. His presence here on Capitol Hill today should be a reminder to all--that dialogue makes firm the roots of peace and without it tyranny takes hold. His Holiness is a figure of pure inspiration. He speaks on love, war, peace, hate, economics and other subjects, but he continually comes back to individual responsibility. The individual is the root, the base, the foundation of family, community, society, and country, and all things good must begin with the individual. There is much good each American can do to promote world peace if we take to heart the Dali Lama's teaching. I would like to commemorate the Dalai Lama for his continued pursuit of peace in Tibet, the Middle East, and other war-torn places around the globe, and for the goodness that he imbues in all of us. He challenges us to search for the better, and in that search, we inspire others. This body politic must recommit itself to the pursuit of peace at home and abroad.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me the time. I rise in strong support of the Lee-Sherman amendment No. 15, which protects the right of States to defend the privacy of their citizens. As written, this bill would preemptively cancel out the effects of California's SB1. I know it has been mentioned but remember, California, one, is the leading financial State in the United States and has the most number of consumers in the United States, and that bill passed after an incredibly long debate in the legislature, and it was supported by or went neutral by financial institutions who were affected by it, had overwhelming consumer support and was voted out of both Houses on a bipartisan fashion. So do not take the actions of California lightly. It is a Big Business State, and it did a very remarkable thing by passing this bill. What Members should do now is preempt it. It preempts SB1 but also will nullify a number of existing identity theft laws. The Credit Reporting Act states that it is a ceiling rather than a floor. I think if you look at what we have done in other legislation in this country where we set the floor in the areas of medical privacy, wire tapping, cable records, video rental record, telemarketing, financial records, and drivers records, Federal law allows the States to provide stronger protections. Why not here? The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act explicitly provides for States to enact laws for greater protection for the privacy of personal financial information. If you believe in States' rights and the ability of States to set standards to protect consumers, to protect Americans and their families, then I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this very important amendment. Do not take the actions of California so lightly. It is a very important, remarkable historical act that has been created there; and we ought to allow California to proceed with it.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Flake amendment regarding the Treasury Department's limitation of the right of Americans to travel. This amendment is based on a core principle--that the policy of limiting the right of ordinary Americans to travel to Cuba, is an infringement of all Americans' right to travel anywhere they want at any time they choose. Nevermind that the U.S. Cuba policy has been an outright failure for the last forty years. Nevermind that the travel ban prevents American businesses from creating jobs in Cuba and the United States, that it prevents Americans from sharing their best ideas and ideals with a close neighbor; and it does nothing to advance the cause of freedom and social justice. The travel ban runs counter to the core Constitutional concept that the American right to travel is an absolute and non-negotiable right, a reflection of the free and open nature of our society. If you believe in our constitutional rights, if you believe in the power of travel and trade, if you believe our citizens are the best ambassadors of American values, and if you agree with President Bush that engagement is the engine of liberty--then we need to pass this amendment legislation to legalize travel by Americans to Cuba.

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) for yielding me time. Let us face it. This is not a problem about Castro. This is a problem about us. We made this law. And this administration wants to enforce this law. This is not about Fidel Castro. This is about the present administration and Members of Congress. It is very interesting that those who do not want to lift this ban are also exempt from it. Cuban-Americans, can travel freely back without our country's permission. And as Members of Congress, you can travel to Cuba, but you cannot do that as a regular American citizen. What has this law done? Has it prevented Americans from going to Cuba? Absolutely not. It is estimated 100,000 Americans went to Cuba last year, 75 percent of them went illegally. Why are they going to Cuba? It is only 90 miles off our coast. That is probably why they are not going to Iraq and North Korea and other places which the President identifies as the axis of evil, and our government does not ban you from going there. They are also fascinated by the history Cuba played in the American Revolutionary War. They are fascinated by a country that wins music Emmys. They are fascinated by a country and culture that produces good rum and cigars, yet it is illegal for Americans to drink that rum or smoke those cigars. It is illegal for Americans to have fun. That is what this law says. It is so un-American. It is so unpatriotic. It is so unenforceable. What are we going to do? Put everybody who went down there to ride bicycles, to dance, to drink mojitos in jail? That is not what our country can do. We cannot enforce this law. And to say that nobody can travel there, and when they will go illegally you will stop that, what you are doing is stopping the legitimate travel of educators, of doctors, of people in professions that want to go to try to upgrade humanity. Human rights organizations are certainly going to know more about the abuses in Cuba by sending people who are interested in human rights as good ambassadors. The law now does not allow that to happen. This is a good amendment. I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) for introducing it, and I urge that all of us pass this amendment.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Maria Torres-Gil on the occasion of her 80th birthday. She is a life-long resident of Monterey County and has dedicated herself to working in and giving back to her community. Maria Torres-Gi1 was born in Los Angeles; the daughter of two Mexican emigrates who had come to California in the aftermath of the Mexican Revolution. Like many other Americans during the Great Depression, Maria's family worked as itinerant farmers throughout the San Joaquin Valley before settling in Castroville in the early 1930s. She married Rafael Torres-Gil in 1947, but when he passed away at a young age, she had to raise their nine children on her own. Although she was only able to attend school through the sixth grade, all of her children went on to college and successful careers. Despite these hardships, Maria remained active in her community. She organized the first advisory committee for the Monterey County Housing authority, developed a school bus program for the children living in housing projects who lacked transportation to school, and also served as a vocal advocate for families in the housing project. In addition to working on local issues, Maria volunteered to serve as a translator for the Monterey County Department of Social Services. She was hired as an eligibility worker and served with the Department for many years. After retiring she was a featured columnist for the Salinas based Californian newspaper, in which she focused on parenting issues and community service. Mr. Speaker, I applaud Maria Torres-Gil's achievements and accomplishments. She has demonstrated outstanding dedication to her community and family. Maria has made a lasting impact on our community and the people with whom she worked. I join the County of Monterey, and friends and family in honoring this truly commendable woman and all of her lifelong achievements.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. William Anthony Carnazzo who passed away on June 19, 2003 after having led a long life of dedicated service to his community. During his lifetime, Dr. Carnazzo not only served his country in the U.S. Army 7th Infantry Division for three years during World War II, where he earned a Bronze Star for his bravery, but also provided the County of Monterey with the invaluable commitment and service of a talented physician. Most importantly, however, he was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Betty; two sons, Gerald Carnazzo of Coral de Tierra and William Carnazzo, Jr. of New Castle; two daughters, Gigi Knudtson and Carol Brown, both of Granite Bay; and two stepsons, Chip Worthington of Rohnert Park and Greg Worthington of Zion, Utah. Sadly, Dr. Bill's first wife, Carmel Carnazzo, passed away in 1974 after decades of love and friendship together. However, on a cruise ship the following year, Dr. Bill met and later married Betty, with whom he spent the rest of his life, becoming one of the few lucky people to find their true love twice in one lifetime! ``Doctor Bill,'' as his many friends knew him, lived in Monterey for 64 years. He was born in Carlentini, Sicily on May 23, 1915. Soon after his birth, his mother, Josephine Carnazzo, brought him to Omaha, Nebraska to join his father, Salvatore Carnazzo. Bill attended elementary and high school in Omaha and excelled in both academics and sports, particularly wrestling and football. In 1931, Dr. Bill entered Creighton University's premedical program and subsequently graduated with honors. He then entered the Creighton University School of Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1938. On June 12, 1939, he and Carmel Ann Circo were married in Omaha. While on their honeymoon in Monterey, they were convinced by friends in the area that it would be a great place to start a practice and family. After seeing the beautiful landscape of Monterey, they agreed and later that same year they relocated to Monterey. In 1972, Dr. Bill's son, Dr. Jerry Carnazzo, joined the family practice. After 55 years of medicine, Dr. Bill retired in 1990. Oddly enough, his practice began and ended with the same patient and friend Ted Melicia, but such long-term care and attention was his calling card. Dr. Bill's life was one of great service and commitment. He spent seven years on the board of what was then Monterey Unified School District. In 1946, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the middle of a heated controversy regarding building a community college in Monterey. Two years later, Dr. Bill cast the deciding vote that resulted in the creation of Monterey Peninsula College, which has become a landmark educational institution for the residents of Monterey and the surrounding area. His work will continue on as he left a permanent mark in many facets of life for the Monterey Peninsula, especially education. Dr. Bill's gentle, kind, humble and generous spirit touched both young and old in his private life and professional medical life. He was known and well respected for his selflessness and his ability to instill others with optimism and confidence. Dr. Bill's service is admirable and his character and dedication have made lasting impacts on our community and the people with whom he worked. It is an honor for me to pay tribute to the rich life and work of Dr. William Carnazzo.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Myszak, a teacher of 39 years, who passed away Tuesday, July 8th of cancer at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. During his lifetime Mr. Myszak was an outstanding member of the local community. He will be sorely missed by his wife of twenty years, Martha Myszak; two daughters Stephanie Hulsey and Donna Wenger; three stepdaughters, Vauncia Parker, Valeria Alexander and Marsheila DeVan; and eight grandchildren. Mr. John Myszak was born on October 6th, 1934 in Flint, Michigan. He earned a bachelor's degree from California State University at Hayward and a master's degree in education from San Jose State University. He served in the United States Marine Corps and taught in the Pacific Grove Unified School District for twenty-one years, in addition to working part time as an instructor at Monterey Peninsula College. During his twenty-eight years living in Seaside, he served as a member of the California Teacher's Association, the National Teacher's Association and the CSU-Monterey Bay Teacher Education Committee. As well as being involved with local education issues, Mr. Myszak was a member of St. John's Episcopal Chapel, John Paul II Foundation of Monterey, Friendship Circle and the Parade of Nations. In his free time he enjoyed his work as a docent for the Monterey History and Arts Association, gardening, writing and ballroom dancing. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to join the local community and Mr. John Mysazk's family and friends in honoring the life of such a commendable teacher, father and citizen.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Leone ``Lee'' Chamberlin who passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2003. During her lifetime Mrs. Chamberlin was an active community member, dedicated to serving others by leading such organizations as the Girl Scouts of America, Soroptimists International and the Salvation Army. She will be dearly missed by her family of four nieces Patricia Minor, Carole Sobel, Mary Menke and Barbara Elgen; and two nephews Rocky Phillips and Ron Elgen; as well as countless friends. Leone Chamberlin was born in Fargo, ND and earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota. She headed the Siems Drake Mechanical Engineering Department at Puget Sound in Seattle, and became at the time one of just 10 women members of the American Association of Mechanical engineers. Her community service began when she moved to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Oak Harbor with her husband Walter Chamberlin. There she counseled teenage girls and organized the Girl Scout Council of Whidbey Island. She later moved to Fairbanks, AK where she worked as the chief of preliminary engineering and drafting departments for the Army Corps of Engineers. While in Alaska she also served as the president for the Farthest North Girl Scout Council and began her work with Soroptimists International. After her husband's death Mrs. Chamberlin moved to Seattle and became the financial adviser on the national staff of the Girl Scouts of America. When she moved to Monterey County she furthered her work with the Girl Scouts by organizing the Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey County Girl Scout Councils into the single Girl Scouts of Monterey Bay Council, serving as executive director for several years. Leone Chamberlin remained active after her retirement, serving as the executive director of the Carmel Business Association, the president of the Monterey Peninsula Soroptimists Club, and board member and president of the Salvation Army. As an ever involved member of the local community she served as a member of the board for numerous committees such as Monterey County Economic Development Committee Monterey County Symphony, Monterey History and Art Association, Carmel Women's Republican Club, Monterey County Council of Chambers of Commerce and Regional Advisory Council for the Salvation Army. Mr. Speaker, I wish to add my appreciation and recognition of Leone Chamberlin's whose countless achievements have been recognized by numerous awards such as the Congressional Recognition award from Leon Panetta, the Soroptimists' Women of Distinction award, and several Thanks Badges from the Girl Scouts. I join Leone Chamberlin's countless friends and family in honoring her truly commendable life and achievements.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas Scott Lindsay, who passed away at his home on July 19, 2003. A longtime activist and advocate, Tom committed his life to helping others and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. Tom Lindsay was a native of Fort Wayne, IN and is survived by brothers Robert Lindsay, Jr. and John Lindsay both of Fort Wayne; and sisters Linda Holt of Oakland and Laura Smart of Pleasant Lake, IN. Tom came to Santa Cruz in February of this year to work as Executive Director for the Santa Cruz AIDS Project. Although, his time with this organization was limited, his commitment and passion to its cause touched many lives. Tom's leadership, wisdom and vision greatly impacted the AIDS Project; and his compassion, generosity and humility affected everyone around him. Over the 18 years the AIDS Project has provided support to those in the community of Santa Cruz affected by HIV/AIDS. As an organization, the AIDS Project has exemplified the compassionate spirit of its past leader. Tom's dedication to this community has had an invaluable impact by helping many in dealing with the AIDS epidemic. Before coming to the Santa Cruz AIDS Project, Tom lived in Sonoma and served as the Executive Director of Face to Face, Sonoma County's AIDS Service Organization. Tom recently served as the Community Co-Chair of the HIV Services Consortium of Sonoma County. Tom's admirable service, strong character, and exemplary dedication have made a lasting impact on our community and everyone whose lives he touched. It is an honor to recognize the life and achievements of Thomas Scott Lindsay.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true community servant as well as an accomplished business owner, Mrs. Terry Marburger. Terry retired on August 1, 2003 after providing 18 years of dedicated service to the community of San Juan Bautista. Terry was born in New York City and has been a resident of San Juan Bautista for the past 34 years, where she has been a contributor to the community and to the welfare of the small Mission town. She is married to Mr. Larry Marburger and together they raised their two children, Sully and Anthony Anastasia. Currently, they have five grandchildren. In addition to having worked in the private sector before owning her own business, Terry is a member of several community organizations such as the Ambassador's Club, the San Benito Tourism Council, the United Way of Hollister and the San Juan Bautista Historic Planning Committee. I first met Terry in April of 2002 when she accepted my request to assist with the planning of California's 17th Congressional District's 2002 Naturalization Ceremony. Without her tireless help, we would not have been able to convene so many community leaders in such a short amount of time. That ceremony was a very special day for the participating new citizens, and it is one that many members of San Benito County will remember for a long time to come. It wouldn't have been possible, had it not been for Terry's ambitious fundraising and vision for that day. Terry will be moving to the Sonora area in the Sierra foothills, and I would like to say that she will be missed by the community of San Juan Bautista, and San Benito County. Because of her enormous sense of dedicated community service and love for the City of San Juan Bautista, Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Terry Marburger and her valuable contributions to our community.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to thank Chairman Istook and Ranking Member Olver for accepting my sense of Congress amendment. Let me just quickly explain what it does. Every 10 years after the national census is taken, the Office of Management and Budget redefines and redesignates metropolitan statistical areas, known as MSAs. Then the Office of Personnel Management uses those MSA definitions to overlay their own geographic boundaries for so-called locality pay areas. This year the Office of Management and Budget came out with new definitions in June, but they radically changed their methodology to a point where the Office of Personnel Management said that the Office of Management and Budget definitions no longer were usable for purposes of determining locality pay boundaries. The Office of Personnel Management has begun the process of determining how to draw locality pay boundaries. The agency is more or less under the gun to do so by this October 7 so as to have this decided by the 2005 budget cycle. But the Office of Personnel Management held its first hearing on the issue only yesterday, September 3. The issue is too complex and too sensitive to figure out in a month. Thousands of Federal employee paychecks and consequently Federal agency missions hang in the balance. My amendment essentially states that Congress believes current locality pay areas should be held harmless over the next year. We ask that OPM not eliminate any current locality pay area, but we do not object to OPM adding any new areas. In the interim, the Office of Personnel Management has time to do the research right and to draw up a fair and defensible plan for locality pay boundary designations. I commend the chairman of the subcommittee for his leadership on this issue and thank him for accepting the amendment.

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman. I rise today in opposition of the rule for the VA/HUD Appropriations bill that shortchanges health care for our nation's veterans. The bill is $2.1 billion below the GOP House Budget Resolution and $3.3 billion below the veterans' consensus budget. The Rules Committee created a rule for the VA/HUD bill that does not allow two amendments. The first seeks to add $1.8 billion for veterans' health care, in order to fulfill the promise of the Republican budget. The second blocks an amendment by Representative Edwards of Texas to increase veterans' spending for VA medical by $2.2 billion--to meet the funding promises in the GOP budget resolution, taking into account the costs of offsetting the enrollment fees and drug co-payments from the President's budget. As it stands now, the VA/HUD bill provides $25.2 billion for veterans' health care--$1.8 billion less than was promised in the budget resolution House Republicans passed earlier this year (H. Con. Res. 95). Its increase from last year is $1.4 billion, which does not keep pace with hospital inflation or the growth in the numbers of veterans enrolled. It is plain to me that the VA-HUD Appropriations bill will not meet veterans' needs. My question is: when does the hypocrisy stop? When will Republicans realize that they can't pay lip-service to men and women who have shed blood on the battlefield for the very freedoms they enjoy? Since his inauguration, President Bush has championed the cause of the veteran, and along with the House Majority, he has continually failed to put his money where his mouth is. We are fighting two wars under his Administration, creating thousands of new veterans--soldiers looking to come home and start their life with the help of the government they just defended. That same government has said, ``Thanks for your sacrifice; sorry we can't do the same.'' No matter how many aircraft carriers you land on, Mr. President, that does not shrink waiting lines at VA clinics! The Republican Party has provided a terrific show for veterans this year. Initially, the President's budget requests underfund the VA, and the House Budget Resolution approves funding levels below that of the President's. Then, the Appropriations Committee allocates $1.8 billion less than the House Budget Resolution, and the Rules Committee approves a rule that bars amendments seeking to fill those funding gaps. All the while, they spin patriotism and ``support the troops'' rhetoric to further their political agenda. This show has gone on long enough, and I think it is time this circus and its elephants left town.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 30th Anniversary of an invaluable organization in my local community, the California Grey Bears. The Grey Bears is an organization of senior citizens, which encourages local seniors to contribute to their community while reaping the benefits of their work. The Grey Bears have been an integral force in the recycling movement in Santa Cruz County, keeping 11,000 tons of material out of landfills each year. They run a local thrift store, completely operated by senior volunteers, and each year they distribute over one million pounds of food to 2,100 local senior citizens. They have instituted an outreach program to collect recyclables from businesses in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County, and have also started a number of recycling projects at local landfill sites. While donating their time and efforts, these seniors strive to combat loneliness while promoting self-reliance and prolonged independent living. The Grey Bears sponsor a number of gatherings each year, ranging from potlucks, and picnics, to Christmas parties. Through these events, local seniors can find much needed companionship. Additionally, they support other local charities with surplus food. Their commitment to Santa Cruz County is that no senior will go hungry. The California Grey Bears has continuously worked for the past thirty years to effectively empower and ameliorate the lives of local seniors. Their accomplishments are truly honorable and the contributions they have made to their community are vital to the well being of a large number of people in Santa Cruz County.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 2210, the School Readiness Act of 2003. Since 1965, Head Start has profoundly improved the lives of more than 20 million children, and their families. The legislation before us undermines the very structure of the Head Start program and its ability to continue to improve the lives of low-income children who deserve a chance to succeed. This bill establishes an eight state, block grant program that would provide funds to cash-strapped states that have neither the experience nor the commitment to run a Head Start program. These state run Head Start programs would not be required to meet Head Start performance standards that ensure a quality, comprehensive program that focuses on: health, education, and family and community development. One of the most valuable parts of the Head Start program is the commitment to families and communities. The ``federal to local'' organization of Head Start has allowed each program to address the particular needs of their locality. Through this tailored approach, Head Start teaches and encourages parents to become more involved and committed to their children's continuing education. The result is that Head Start has been able to improve the long-term outlook for many children. Studies show that by the spring of their kindergarten year, Head Start students show substantial progress in word knowledge, letter recognition, math skills, and writing skills in comparison to national norms. In addition, Head Start students are less likely to be held back a grade, or require special education. Rather, they are more likely to graduate from high school and college, than their peers who did not enjoy the benefits of Head Start. There is no evidence to show that state-run Head Start programs could replicate these successes or the invaluable community focus. In order to continue to help more low-income children overcome the disadvantage of poverty, Head Start must receive adequate funding. Currently, Head Start is capable of serving only: 60 percent of eligible children, and 19 percent of migrant children; while Early Head Start serves only 3 percent of eligible children. Rather than jeopardizing the quality programming of Head Start by ceding control to states that are inexperienced in managing Head Start programs, we need to catch more at risk children who are slipping through the cracks. In addition to making irresponsible structural changes, H.R. 2210 repeals longstanding civil rights protections for the employees of Head Start programs that are operated through faith based organizations. Under this legislation, faith based organizations could legally discriminate, on the basis of religion, in the hiring of their Head Start employees. Many Head Start programs are admirably operated by faith-based organizations, however, that does not give them the right to discriminate if they accept Federal funds. The only consideration in hiring Head Start teachers should be to secure the best possible educator for these children who so desperately need quality instruction. It is shameful to think that educational qualifications could be overshadowed by religious affiliation. In my home State of California, over 100,000 children and their families participate in Head Start and Early Head Start programs annually. These programs have dramatically improved school readiness, health, and family relationships of participating children. I am unwilling to support H.R. 2210 and its unproven provisions that threaten the established success of the Head Start Program. I would urge all of my colleagues to oppose this dangerous legislation.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. I am one of the cosponsors of this, and I would like to first point out that the last statement you heard by your distinguished chairman is not about the amendment. This amendment does not legalize marijuana. I repeat, it does not legalize marijuana. It is a very straightforward amendment. It removes the Federal interference from local law, from local affairs where States have adopted through their legislative process or initiative process, a limited use of marijuana for medical purposes only. And in most cases, in all the cases I know, it has to be dispensed by a doctor. And the reason this amendment passed in California is because the elderly community, oftentimes suffering from pain, felt this was a remedy for pain. And the voters of California said, you should not deny this as long as it is being used in the medical arena. That is all this amendment does. It says, Federal Government, get off the back of those States that have used their legal process to have a limited use of marijuana for medical purposes. And those States are Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and the District of Columbia. The States of Hawaii and Maryland have also passed the laws through their legislatures. This is not about legalization of marijuana. This is just saying, Federal Government, where those States have adopted those laws, just stay off their backs. The attorneys general of these States, the law enforcement in these communities, they support these operations. I know, because in Santa Cruz County they were very, very upset and petitioned when the Federal Government came in and did a raid. It upset everybody. So this process of not allowing States to go forward, I think, is wrong. This amendment provides States with voter-given authority to promulgate regulations to control the limited, limited, limited use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. It is an amendment about States' rights. It is about the sacredness of the electoral process and the sanctity of the citizens' votes. It is about treating people as if they have instructed their government to do so. That is all this amendment does. A very narrow, limiting amendment. Please adopt it.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I did not come to the floor to speak on this amendment, but after hearing the debate I must rise. Because this is not a debate about farming versus the environment. This is a debate about economics versus economics. It is about coastal economics, where the majority of the population of the people in California live, versus interior economics. It is an issue that cries outs for a solution to both parties. There is not a win-win here. Without this amendment, you have a win- lose. You have the entire tourism industry which is dependent on where this stream comes into the ocean which is dependent on that fish coming into the stream. There is an economic survival, both in the tourism and the fisherman there versus the farmers. Alfalfa is one of the most water-intensive crops that we grow in the United States. Certainly the farmers through best management practices can do with less water. We do that in our area all the time. We are always struggling to have it. What this problem cries out for is a solution for a win-win. In order to do that, somebody has to give up something.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. FARR. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his comments, and I look forward to working both with the chairman and the ranking member on this important legislation.

Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank my colleagues, the Chair and ranking member of the Committee on International Relations, for this great piece of legislation that is coming before us. I want to express my particular appreciation for the inclusion of the Peace Corps Expansion Act in this bill. Five of us now serving in the United States House of Representatives are returned Peace Corps volunteers, and we very much appreciate the work of this committee to strengthen the Peace Corps. I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde) and the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos), for their leadership in bringing this important bill to the floor. The Peace Corps was, for me, a life-challenging experience, a life- changing experience as well as challenging. The Peace Corps Expansion Act will help offer this unique experience to more Americans than ever before. I would like to engage in a brief colloquy with the distinguished ranking member about an amendment that I offered that was not made in order for this rule. My understanding is that the gentleman has had the opportunity to familiarize himself with the amendment, known as the Winning The Peace Act of 2003 that seeks to strengthen U.S. capabilities in responding to the challenges of postconflict reconstruction. The framework for the amendment is the result of my work and that of my colleagues, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), on the Post-Conflict Reconstruction Commission.

Mr. FARR

Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ruth Hunter, a courageous activist who has spent her life doing what she felt was right, if not always popular. She works tirelessly to right both global and local wrongs, encompassing the community spirit of Santa Cruz County that sees inequality as everyone's problem. Ruth first caught the activist bug while visiting the Soviet Union in 1985. Over the next 2 decades she traveled across war-ravaged and impoverished lands from Central America to Africa and the Middle East to document the suffering of people caught in the middle of global conflicts. She has protested the United States' involvement in some of these conflicts, not fearing arrest because she was advocating for what she believed was a greater cause. These selfless acts are an inspiration to anyone who wishes justice not just for their countrymen, but for all the people of the world. Throughout her travels, Ruth wrote about the places and people she visited, but it was not until the early 1990s that she made a career of her love of writing. Inspired by stories from the members of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Ruth began publishing her work in La Gazette as a monthly columnist. It was these women's stories that also became the basis for her book, What a Life: Heroines Sung and Unsung. Ruth's passion for her work stems from the fun she has while doing good deeds. I know her personally as my Cuban dancing partner, and her friends warmly refer to her as the Queen of Mojitos! And through her good spirit and love for humanity, she continues to amaze us all by choosing to stand up and fight when so many people are content to sit down. Mr. Speaker, Ruth Hunter continues her work in activism and writing, even on her eighty-seventh birthday, and I wish to take this opportunity to honor her and to congratulate her for being an inspiration to us all.