Janice Hahn

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, after over ten years of wars, we have a growing number of veterans in our nation. We have a responsibility to provide support and services for our soldiers once they return home. This includes the area of domestic violence. Sadly, our brave soldiers who return home after protecting our nation are not immune from domestic abuse. As I've said previously, we have a duty to our veterans. However, current law fails to fully protect those veterans who have been driven from their homes because of domestic violence. In order to reflect the modern day reality that there are more women in our military than ever before, it is important that we continue to update our laws to address emerging issues within this new trend. The civilian definition of homelessness includes people fleeing from domestic violence. However, the current law the Department of Veterans Affairs uses to administer benefits for homeless veterans does not recognize those driven from their homes by abuse as homeless. The full definition of ``homeless'' under the law includes the following: ``Any individual or family who is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions in the individual's or family's current housing situation, including where the health and safety of children are jeopardized, and who have no other residence and lack the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.'' However, the Department of Veterans Affairs currently defines ``homeless veteran'' based on an incomplete citation of the civilian homeless law. That's why I have decided to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleague Congressman Runyan that would expand the Department of Veterans Affairs' definition of ``homeless veteran'' to include veterans fleeing situations of domestic violence and other life threatening emergencies. As a result, this change will allow those veterans who find the courage and the means to leave their abusers the ability to access the benefits that should be available to all homeless veterans. This legislation is a bipartisan common sense bill that adds no additional cost to the taxpayer. When we introduced this bill last Congress, we were able to garner 72 co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle. The legislation also had the support of a number of organizations including: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) AMVETS The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans The Service Women's Action Network The Association of the US Navy The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty Veterans for Common Sense The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence By passing this bill, we will ensure that this especially vulnerable population of veterans has the chance to access benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs already provides. After fighting for our country, our veterans should never find themselves without a safe home to come back to.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Eugene Daub, a gifted local artist who designed and sculpted the new Congressional statue of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. I am thrilled that Rosa Parks will finally be honored with a statue in the Halls of Congress, and I am proud to recognize Mr. Daub, one of my constituents, as the creator of this great work. We all know of Rosa Parks' extraordinary contributions to the civil rights movement. Her bravery and courage carried us forward on the road to equality. This statue is the first full-sized depiction of an African American in the Capitol, and an honor fitting for Rosa Parks. She fought for the values of life and liberty that this Nation has pledged to uphold and that these halls strive to embody. Eugene Daub, the artist, is a resident of San Pedro, California, and the 44th Congressional District. He is the master sculptor of Daub and Firmin Sculptor Studios, LLC. In 2009, Daub and Firmin Studios was selected as the winner of a national competition managed by the National Endowment for the Arts to create the statue. Rob Firmin, partner and project manager, worked with Mr. Daub on the concept and design of the statue. Mr. Daub has achieved an extraordinary career in public-art sculpture over the past 30 years. He received training at the Pennsylvania Academy for the Fine Arts and the University of Pittsburgh. Mr. Daub's sculptures are featured in public memorials and permanent collections throughout the world, including the Smithsonian Institution, The British Museum, Ellis Island Museum, the University of Virginia, and the Montana State Senate. He has been honored with prestigious awards for his artistry, including the Arthur Ross Award for sculpture from the Institute for Classical Architecture and Classical America and the American Numismatic Association Gold Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Bas Relief Sculpture. I am thrilled to welcome such a talented artist and fellow San Pedran to the Capitol. Mr. Daub's depiction of Rosa Parks will attract visitors from all over the world who will note both its historical significance and profound beauty.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Minister James Kevin Murray, who passed away on February 18, 2013. James was born on April 21, 1961 to James David and Darlene Murray. James began preaching at an early age and preached his first gospel meeting in Jasper, Texas at the age of 13. He was an active member of the Figueroa church and was involved with the youth ministry, bus ministry, and the Figueroa Angelic Chorus. At Figueroa Church of Christ, James met and later married the love of his life, Linda Earls. They were married June 20, 1987, and had three beautiful children. After marrying, they joined the Alondra Church of Christ where James served as minister for the past 27 years. James developed his passion for public service and education through his years in school. After graduating from Manual Arts High School, James received his Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from UCLA. He then obtained his Masters in Education Administration from Cal State Dominguez Hills. James pursed his love for education and his commitment to our young people by serving as an Assistant Principal and Counselor in several school districts, including Los Angeles, Compton, Santa Monica, and Lynwood. For the past eight years, James served as the National Youth Conference Director. James enjoyed preaching the Word of God, spending time with his family and friends, enjoying intriguing conversations brimming with humor, basketball, running marathons, politics, technology, and watching his favorite team, the Los Angeles Lakers. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, David, Jason and Jessica; his mother, Darlene; his sisters, Cheryl and Janice; his brothers, Rodney, Kenny, Antoney, Orlando; and a host of family and friends. He will truly be missed.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, 58 years ago a woman named Rosa Parks took a seat on a bus in Montgomery and refused to give it up. Tomorrow Rosa Parks will take her place in the Halls of the United States Capitol when her statue joins other great American women like Helen Keller and Sojourner Truth, who stand sentinel over average citizens and Members of Congress alike in this hallowed place, reminding us of the quality of courage and the humble face of justice. I'm proud to welcome fellow San Pedran Eugene Daub, the talented artist and sculptor who created this magnificent statue, to the Nation's Capitol. San Pedro is a community for artists in Los Angeles. It means a lot to San Pedro that a member of our own community was chosen to commemorate the woman whose quiet dignity and defiance inspired a nation to stand up against the daily injustice of Jim Crow. What an honor for Mr. Daub and the entire San Pedro artist community. Rosa Parks would have been 100 years old this year, but I know that this is only the first century that we will be inspired by her example and this statue.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Madam Speaker, when I first came to Congress, I didn't vote for that bill that created the threat of sequestration. I thought it was a bad idea then, and I think it's a bad idea now. Automatic triggers that institute automatic cuts across the board in spending in this country are a bad idea. This manmade crisis is now threatening both our Nation's economy and our national security. Here are just a couple of ways that that would happen. Ten percent of the FAA's workforce of 40,000 would be furloughed on any given day, resulting in reduced air traffic controllers, longer delays, and economic losses for air transportation and tourism. Fewer air traffic controllers means fewer flights, which means less tourism, and that means fewer jobs in hotels and restaurants--a ripple effect that could cripple our economy. The Coast Guard would be cut by nearly 25 percent, jeopardizing maritime and navigation safety, the safe flow of commerce along U.S. waterways, and drastically reduce our ability to fight drug trafficking. The clock is ticking once again. We cannot take our economy and our safety backwards at a time when the American people have worked to build it up. Let's act now to get rid of this terrible sequestration.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I stand with my colleagues today in Congress, the American people, and our President to say that now is the time to end the senseless gun violence that has plagued our neighborhoods from the streets of Compton and Chicago to the schools and movie theaters in Newtown and Aurora. Now is the time to pass legislation that is necessary to protect our children and our families from these repeated patterns of senseless gun violence. Our children should not have to live in fear while learning their ABCs or college algebra or innocently waiting at a bus stop after school or seeing a movie. I believe America is ready to take commonsense steps to keep our families and our communities safe. Today, I call upon my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move quickly and support President Obama's comprehensive gun violence prevention plan that calls for universal background checks and a ban on those military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines that have no place in our neighborhoods. We must continue to take concrete steps toward keeping Americans safe. The time is now.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Jacqueline Scotti who quietly passed away on January 20, 2013 in her beloved San Pedro. Jacqueline grew up during challenging times in Europe. She was born on June 1, 1930 in Chalons-Sur-Marne, Paris, France. After World War II, she met her husband, a proud American soldier by the name of Sgt. Major Louis Mario Scotti. She arrived in the United States and created a loving home and life for her family. In 1958, she proudly became a citizen of this great Nation. She had many creative talents such as sewing, knitting, cooking and her favorite pastime of all, gardening. She was a strong advocate for our community garden which overlooks northwest San Pedro and she was always kind enough to bring homegrown tomatoes and zucchinis to my office. I was always fond of seeing her, whether she volunteered on my campaign or in my Council Office. She was a true lady and a valued member of our community. I was privileged to have called her a friend and I will always have fond memories of the legacy she left behind in San Pedro. Jacqueline Scotti is survived by her children, Eveline (Steven) Packer, Allen Scotti, Kenneth (Enza) Scotti, and Lionel Scotti, in addition to her many grand children and great grandchildren. She will be missed by her friends and loved ones.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, it's a new year, it's a new beginning, it's a new Congress. This 113th Congress will let us seize the opportunity to start with a clean slate. We must put aside partisan politics and labels to come together for the good of the American people. Our seniors, our children, our families are looking toward Congress to take meaningful action on critical issues that were left unresolved in 2012, such as the fiscal cliff and the debt ceiling. Our Nation is looking for a path forward. I didn't come to Congress to simply talk the talk. I came here to walk the walk for my constituents, for California, and for this great Nation. Today is a new day that calls for new ideas, collaboration, and real solutions for the American people. Yesterday, I also had the pleasure of joining nine of my congressional colleagues across the aisle at a bipartisan No Labels ``Meeting to Make America Work.'' We addressed the partisan gridlock in Congress that has slowed progress for the American people. It's high time we find compromises that will lead to real solutions to the real problems facing our Nation. Today I call on all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in this effort. Let's make America work.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, last week, California lost one of its most beloved individuals, Huell Howser. Huell was known to so many Californians as the friendly host of California's Gold, the long running public television program from which he retired late last year. Huell's southern accent made it clear that he wasn't a native Californian. He was born in Tennessee but moved to Los Angeles in 1981 to become a reporter for KCBS. He fell in love with his new home and created his own television show dedicated to life in California. The premise was simple. He, a cameraman, and a hand-held microphone traveled across the state, visiting everything from national parks to little known mom-and-pop shops, in search of California stories. He found them. His folksy charm was disarming and his impromptu interviews were lighthearted and friendly. He talked to nearly everyone he met and found the most incredible stories ranging from tragic and touching to obscure and wonderful. But regardless of where he was visiting, his genuine enthusiasm stole the show. He was known for his ``gee-wiz'' demeanor and being completely fascinated with everything he stumbled upon, often exclaiming ``That's amazing!'' The LA Times once called him ``magnificently unslick.'' Many Californians have mastered their own impression of him, with love of course. California's Gold ran on public television for 19 years. It became many Californians' ``comfort television.'' Huell Howser was always a pleasure to watch. Each episode would show you everything you ever wanted to know about a place, and perhaps a little more. He was a personal friend and I will always have fond memories of our Thanksgivings together at my brother Jim's home in San Pedro. I will never forget listening to Huell and my mother Ramona share stories of Nashville where she attended high school. Since his passing, there has been an outpouring of tributes from his fans across the state who remember him for his optimism and sincerity. He is truly irreplaceable.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Madam Speaker, tonight in Times Square hundreds of thousands of people will be there at midnight to watch that ball drop, but here in Congress, we've also dropped the ball. We're in the final days of the 112th Congress. No one expected us to be here on the House floor on New Year's Eve, but here we are racing towards that fiscal cliff--towards higher taxes on the middle class and slashed investment for the American people, including nutrition for mothers and infants, education for our children, and our infrastructure. What part of the cliff sounds like a good plan? I know I'm not the only one who has spent time with families that it will hurt. I know I'm not the only one who has visited the businesses that are worried that our country could have another recession. We should not be playing this game of chicken. There's too much at stake to have politics as usual. We have an opportunity to prevent the fiscal cliff, but in order to do so we must act as a unified Congress. So I say to all my friends and colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, let's get this thing done. Tonight, when that ball drops, let's make sure that we haven't also dropped the ball.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, we've been to this place before. Before the gut-churning horror and sadness of the killings at the elementary school in Newtown, there was a movie theater in Aurora, a college campus in Virginia, a high school in Columbine. On Friday, I couldn't stop thinking about my own grandson, Josiah, who is 6 and a first-grader at a school in Colorado. How much grief is enough? I think this grief is enough. We need to reinstate the assault weapons ban. We need to ban high- capacity clips. We need more thorough background checks. And we need to offer more mental health services. But a life taken with a handgun is no less of a tragedy. A mother does not suffer less knowing that her child's life was extinguished with a gun that did not have a 30-round clip. Guns kill people. They need to be a lot harder to buy. We need to do a lot more to get them off our streets. This is our time, colleagues. This is our time. We need to pass bold, necessary, overdue gun control legislation. If we do not, this will happen again.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, time is counting down, the holidays are upon us, and Congress still hasn't come together to spare hardworking middle class families from the tax hike rushing towards them. We know we agree on this. We know what this tax increase would mean for these families. Why aren't we voting on that? Why won't we have a vote on protecting the middle class from this tax hike? We know that every minute we delay is more stress, more anxiety for mothers and fathers looking at the holiday season, worried about what's waiting for them on the other side. What are we waiting for? I know Members of Congress might stay here through Christmas, but let's make sure that our holiday gift to the American people is a Congress that doesn't hold the middle class families hostage. Let's bring the middle class tax cuts to the floor for a vote today.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the memory of Salvatore ``Sam'' Ciaramitaro, who passed away on November 27, 2012, at 73 years of age. Sam was born on March 22, 1939, in his native town of Terrasini, Sicily. He was a long-term resident of San Pedro, where he was married and raised his children. During his time in San Pedro, he worked as a commercial fisherman and was known for having the sharpest eyes on the ocean. Sam was a master of many trades. He poured his heart into any task and completed each and every one with perfection and precision. He was his happiest when spending time with his children and grandchildren who were his pride and joy. Sam Ciaramitaro is survived by his wife Grace; his daughter Geralyn and her husband, the recently elected Los Angeles Councilman Joe Buscaino who represents the 15th Council District in the City of Los Angeles; his daughter Mary Cammareri and her husband Mike Cammareri; his son Donny Ciaramitaro and his wife Sandra Ciaramitaro; his daughter Anna Moore; and his seven grandchildren, Paola, Gracelyn, Sammy, Brandon, Matteo, Gia, and Lucas. He will be truly missed by his friends and loved ones.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Thank you, Mr. Larsen and Mr. LoBiondo, for your work on this. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my support for the House and Senate agreement on the Coast Guard reauthorization for fiscal year 2013 and 2014. The United States Coast Guard plays an integral role in our Nation's homeland security. They are on the front lines each and every day ensuring that our ports and waterways remain safe and secure. As a cofounder and cochair of the congressional bipartisan PORTS Caucus, we're learning more and more every day about the critical role that our Coast Guard plays in the security of our ports. Our caucus members had a very productive conversation with Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger of the U.S. Coast Guard in April, whom I got to know very well in Los Angeles when he was the captain of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. He discussed the Coast Guard's critical role in providing security and disaster preparedness at our Nation's ports. That's why providing the Coast Guard with the necessary ships and gear they need is so important. However, it's neither the ships nor the gear that make up the heart of the United States Coast Guard. It is the men and women who fight every day to make this country a safer place. They serve with bravery and poise, and are sometimes called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. And as has been talked about this morning, unfortunately that is what occurred this past weekend when a brave Coast Guardsman gave his life for this country. On December 2, Chief Petty Officer Horne was killed when he and his team came upon a boat suspected of drug smuggling and were rammed upon approaching it. The impact knocked Officer Horne and another Coast Guardsman into the water, inflicting Horne with a severe traumatic head injury that ultimately proved to be fatal. Chief Petty Officer Terrell Horne was a distinguished Coast Guardsman, and his life is deeply cherished by our Nation as we reflect on his unwavering commitment to protecting our country. He and his family were from Redondo Beach, which is in my current congressional district. His sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices our men and women in uniform make boldly for this country each and every day. As my colleagues consider this bill before us, I ask that we all keep Officer Horne's family, friends, and fellow officers in the Coast Guard in your thoughts and prayers and never forget the sacrifices that our men and women make for us each and every day. I appreciate all the comments that have been made this morning reflecting this same thought.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. As we race toward this fiscal cliff, we are faced with a number of looming problems, not the least of which is the threat of a crushing middle class tax hike. If we fail to act, middle class Americans could see their next tax bills rise by more than $3,000, and while there will be much to disagree on in the coming negotiations, no one wants this to happen. A tax hike of this size on the middle class would be a terrible burden on families who are just beginning to recover from this Great Recession. With congressional approval at an all-time low, we cannot pass up this opportunity to prove to the American people that we can work together. President Obama's legislation to extend the middle class tax cuts has already been passed by the Senate, and it now depends on us. We should embrace this opportunity to vote on something we can agree on and bring this legislation to the floor. I've already signed this petition. I urge all of my colleagues to come down to the House floor right now and sign this discharge petition. Bring this to the floor. Let's give the American people a real holiday present.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. This morning, The New York Times featured an article about California's resurging economy, which was one of the States hit hardest by the recession. After years of struggle, our housing market is bouncing back, and our unemployment rate is the lowest it has been since 2009. Yet this fiscal cliff threatens to drive my State and the rest of the Nation back into the recession we have been climbing out of. The inability for us to compromise would mean that millions more would be unemployed, that there would be higher taxes on the already struggling families, and that there would be cuts to the programs that so many livelihoods depend on. We are putting the progress that our economy has made at risk. Now is not the time for politics as usual. This holiday season, our constituents deserve better, and I am calling on Democrats and on my friends across the aisle to come together to do what needs to be done to keep our country on track. Let's put our politics aside. Let's find a way to come together. We know we have differences. Let's work on our common ground so that we can move forward for the American people, whom we love and serve.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday, our President said something that I think this Congress needs to hear: the people of our districts sent us here to focus on their jobs, not our own. We're racing towards a serious deadline, towards higher taxes on struggling families and slashed investments in things like food for mothers and infants, education, and our infrastructure. We're dragging people's jobs toward the brink and playing chicken with workers' and entrepreneurs' livelihoods. I know I'm not the only one here who spent time with the families that missing this deadline will hurt. I know I'm not the only one who has visited the businesses that would collapse if this happened. The people in our districts need us to come together. They're counting on us to do the right thing, to leave our partisanship at the ballot box and to get to work. So I say to all my friends and colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, let's get this thing done.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of John Greenwood who died on October 11, 2012 at the age of 67. Born on January 9, 1945, John earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Political Science from the University of California, Riverside, and a master's degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan. John had a 45-year career as an educator and civic leader in the South Bay and Harbor Area. John was first elected to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education in 1979, where he served for eight years as both a member and its president advocating for quality education. Long active in community affairs, John served as Chair of the City of Los Angeles Citizens' Oversight Commission for Proposition Q managing a $650 million Fire and Police renovation program and was the founding President and a board member of the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council. Several years ago, while on the Los Angeles City Council, I had the pleasure to appoint John to head up a task force charged with studying the Ponte Vista housing development. He was the founder and later served as President of the Gang Alternatives Program that strives to enhance the lives of the young people in our community. John served on the boards of numerous community organizations including the San Pedro Boys and Girls Club, the San Pedro Rotary Club, and as Vice President of the Board of Directors of Angels Gate Cultural Center. At the time of his death, John was President of Coro Southern California. His involvement in Coro spanned more than 40 years. Through the years, John received many awards. He was particularly pleased to be honored as Community Builder by Habitat for Humanity and to receive the Founders Award from the Southern California Leadership Network. John is survived by his wife, Caren and daughter, Liz, and his brother Roger (Peggy) Greenwood, sister Marilyn (Savin) Ungaro, sister Kathy (Tom) Jefferies, mother-in-law Martha Matthews, sister-in-law Darlene Allenthorp. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have known John and to have considered him a close friend.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lee Marie Anderson, who quietly passed away on Monday, September 24, 2012. Lee was born on October 4, 1924 to Bertha and John Dutton in her hometown of Linden, Michigan. She attended the University of Michigan, but left early to serve her country as a member of the U.S. Navy WAVES where she was trained as a nurse's aide during the greatest conflict of our time. Following World War II, she married Jack Braude and moved to California to pursue a career in modeling and acting. She soon became involved with California politics and local civic activities in Westchester. In the early 1950s she was a driving force in the Democratic Party, serving in leadership roles with the League of Women Voters. Lee Anderson then married former Lieutenant Governor and Congressman of California Glenn Anderson. Lee and Glenn were a political powerhouse duo in the California political arena. During Glenn's long political career, Lee worked closely with her husband and also oversaw his many business interests; some may even say that she was his ``Chief of Staff.'' After Glenn's passing, Lee Anderson remained active and energetic as a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner, a board member of San Pedro Peninsula Hospital, which is now Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center, President of the Long Beach Civic Light Opera and numerous positions with civic and community organizations. She created the Glenn and Lee Anderson Foundation, which provides thousands of dollars of college scholarship funds to the communities of San Pedro, Long Beach, Wilmington and Torrance. Among her many honors, she received the Torch of Liberty Award from the Anti-Defamation League, and the Youth Award from the Wilmington Boys & Girls Club. Lee is remembered fondly by her friends and family, including her son Evan Braude Anderson, Glenn Anderson's children Melinda Keenan and Glenn Michael Anderson, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren, and her brother, Jack Dutton. She was loved by all and will be missed dearly.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Los Angeles City Councilman Tom LaBonge, a distinguished public servant, who is receiving the 2012 Jack Webb Award for his commitment and support for the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department. Tom's parents gave him a deep love for the City of Angels. His civic spirit was inspired as a teenager when he served on Mayor Tom Bradley's Youth Council. In 1976, upon earning his undergraduate degree from California State University Los Angeles, he joined the staff of Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson, 13th District, and later he moved to work for John Ferraro, Council President. Over the course of 15 years as an aide to John Ferraro, Tom learned the value of public service. In spite of the demands of working for the Council President, Tom still found time to coach LAPD's football team, the Centurions. Later, as chief of field operations for Mayor Riordan, Tom oversaw a staff of deputies assigned to neighborhoods throughout every region of the 465-square-mile city and acted as the Mayor's special representative at community events. In 2011, Tom won a special election to represent the people of the 4th City Council District. As his tenure in the Council winds down, Tom remains busy promoting the city he loves and working diligently to make Los Angeles a better place to live, work, and play. Whether tackling issues that impact his constituents or coaching cops on the gridiron, Tom's life has been devoted to service and as such, he has earned this award. It is truly a privilege to be his friend.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Van P. Barbieri, who passed away on September 5, 2012. Van P. Barbieri was born on August 27, 1940 in San Pedro, California. He was a gentle, quiet man, who was never overbearing in expressing his ideas and thoughts about making our community better. He served on the Board of Directors of several local organizations. He was an affable San Pedro High School graduate who became one of the top real estate salesmen on the Palos Verdes Peninsula for 35 years, most recently at the Miraleste office of Remax, and was a former president of the California Real Estate Association. To those in sports, he is remembered as the former boxing publicist for the Olympic Auditorium during the arena's heyday and a close friend and aide-de-camp for Pro Football Hall of Fame coach, George Allen. He was given the distinct honor of being inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; mother, Eva; brothers and sisters-in-law, Dennis, (Lucretia), Anthony, (Linda) and John; several step children and grandchildren; and of course, countless friends. He was loved by all and will be missed dearly.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Albert Perisho, who passed away at home peacefully on August 2012. Albert was born September 9, 1931 in Long Beach, California. Al graduated from Banning High School in 1949 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve in the Korean conflict. He met the love of his life, Myrt Van Meter, while working in Long Beach. Al and Myrt were married 59 years. In 1954, he became a member of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. He served there until he retired in 1994. He was elected for 4 terms as President for Local 63 and 2 \1/2\ terms as Secretary Treasurer. While retired, he stayed active with the Southern California Pensioners Club and served as President. Al was recognized as Man of the Year by the City of Los Alamitos, the Los Angeles Long Beach Harbor, and the ILWU Southern California Pensioners Club. He was also a volunteer with the Red Cross disaster relief. Al loved fishing in the High Sierras and had a great sense of humor. He was the kind of friend everyone wanted. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his wife, Myrt; daughter, Cheri Phillips; son in law, Bill Phillips; son, Terry Perisho; daughter in law, Candy Perisho; son, Jack Perisho; daughter in law, Vanetta Perisho; grandchildren, Shaun, Christy, Jake, and Jacquie; and his brother, Tom Harvey. He was loved by all and will be missed dearly.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. As we mark yet another anniversary of a September morning that dawned just as any other, we are first and foremost called to remember; but as we remember the fear and the grief of a day born of unfathomable hate, we remember, too, the impossible heroism of so many of our fellow Americans. We remember the firefighters and the police officers who ran into the burning buildings to get others out. We remember the brave men and women of Flight 93, who, in learning of the attacks throughout the country, decided they would give their lives that others might live. We remember those early days when we came out of our homes and joined together with our neighbors, with flags and candles, united as one American family and when bitter political adversaries stood on the steps of this Capitol and put their arms around each other and sang ``God Bless America.'' But we shouldn't have to look back to feel that again. For the sake of those who died, for the sake of all those living and for all those yet to be born, let's come together in this House. Let's not be the do- nothing Congress. In honor of all Americans, let's come together and work for the good of this country.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, every day, we see the damage done by our dependence on oil. We see high gas prices threatening our economic recovery and burdening families already struggling to make ends meet. We see rising temperatures and sea levels. We see higher respiratory disease rates. And we see any number of distant regimes holding our foreign policy hostage, weakening our ability to stand by our principles and our friends. It is time for us to throw off these burdens and step into the future. One of the most promising and necessary things we can do to leave oil behind is speed our transition to electric vehicles. Passenger cars alone use more than 40 percent of the oil consumed in this country. By 2020, the National Resources Defense Council estimates Americans will spend $260 billion a year on gas. Just think of what we stand to gain from switching to electric vehicles. I drive an electric vehicle myself, back home in Los Angeles. I get to drive right on past the gas station. In fact, I have not been to a gas station in almost a year. The technology is here, all we need to do is implement it. Unfortunately, the higher price tag of electric vehicles has impeded wide-spread adoption by placing them beyond the reach of many of the Americans who stand to benefit most. The Electric Vehicle Purchasing Credit Expansion Act would increase the existing tax credit offered for the purchase of these vehicles-- broadening access and speeding deployment in the near term, and helping to jumpstart the market and realize the economies of scale that will make electric vehicles no more expensive than a gas-powered car. Since 2009, qualified plug-in electric vehicles have received a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on their kilowatt- per-hour capacity. The Electric Vehicle Purchasing Credit Expansion Act would increase the tax credit to $10,000, raising the base credit claimable by all plug-in electric vehicles to $3,750, and the maximum kilowatt-per-hour credit to $6,250 (fully claimable at 19 kwhr). By passing this bill, we can clean our air, free our foreign policy by strengthening our hand with regimes like Iran, and put money lost at the pump back into the pockets of American consumers.

Ms. HAHN

Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the memory of John Bogert, who passed away on July 29, 2012 at the age of 63 following a lengthy battle with cancer. John Bogert was a columnist for the Daily Breeze, a South Bay local staple, for 28 years. In that time, he wrote some 6,500 columns. He worked hard, writing five or six columns weekly, and his efforts did not go unrecognized. By the end of his life he was known as the ``Voice of the South Bay.'' He wrote about anything and everything, but some of my favorite columns were those he wrote about his family. These columns were honest--sometimes brutally so--and gave readers insight into a life that often seemed very familiar. He had an uncanny ability to draw readers into his experiences and after reading his columns, his followers felt that they knew him. His book signings were characterized by long lines and his appearance at local events drew crowds of people waiting to shake his hand. He even wrote one of his columns on me as he attempted to capture a ``Day in the Life of Janice Hahn''--it was one of my favorite writings on my life. John was born on October 7, 1948 in Utica, New York and spent much of his childhood in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He attended the University of Florida where he started his own newspaper and starred on the track team. After some time abroad, he moved to Southern California where he was hired by the Daily Breeze in 1979. He did not originally plan on staying long, but he became one of the Breeze's longest tenured journalists until his departure in June of this year. He once said in an interview that journalism gave him the opportunity to ``meet some pretty great people.'' And indeed he met with so many interesting figures, from presidents to nuns to an encounter that let him drop the line, ``Stalin's interpreter once told me . . .'' John Bogert leaves behind three children: Caitlin, 29, Rachel, 25 and Ian, 18. His eldest daughter is expecting his first grandchild in September. The granddaughter will be named Charlotte, a name picked by John himself. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have known John, and to have considered him a close friend. His family, friends, colleagues and so many readers will miss him dearly. I know that I will.