Jared Huffman

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, let me begin with the usual stipulations. This is the final amendment to the bill. It won't kill the bill or send it back to committee. When this is adopted, the bill will immediately proceed to final passage as amended, so there is no procedural reason to oppose this motion to recommit. Let's talk about the substance. Now, we have heard a lot of debate this morning about the need to give Big Oil--the most profitable industry in the history of the world--yet another advantage. For years, Americans have been told that we have to ``drill, baby, drill.'' The theory that we always hear is that we need to extract every barrel of oil from every acre of American soil to keep gas prices low and to provide ``energy security.'' But as soon as American gas prices started to drop, the curtain was raised, and the truth was revealed. The real reason for ``drill, baby, drill,'' surprise, surprise, was to give Big Oil the chance to maximize their profits on the world market. It is not enough that they have been able to game the Tax Code for a century with billions of dollars of tax breaks not available to other taxpayers or businesses. It is not enough that they continue to enjoy access to our public lands and waters for oil drilling, even though they are no longer paying into the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the longstanding law that expired at the beginning of this month. As a reminder, for the past 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund was an agreement, a compact between the American people and Big Oil. It said that when we let oil and gas companies drill and profit from drilling in Federal waters, they have to dedicate a fraction of the profits, just a fraction, to protect our great outdoors for future generations. The deal is that they have to dedicate a fraction of those profits to protecting our great outdoors for future generations so that our grandchildren will be able to hike and hunt and fish in our parks and wildlife refuges. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was shamefully allowed to lapse at the beginning of this month, and the majority hasn't scheduled a single vote--or even a hearing--to get it back on the books. No, all of these concessions to the oil and gas industry are not enough for this House. With today's bill, the House majority is saying that American oil and gas companies can drill more, export more, and realize even greater profits, no matter the environmental consequences, no matter the consequences to health and safety. As presently written, the underlying bill, H.R. 702, would permanently ensure that no export restrictions for any reason could be implemented or enforced in the future. That is what this bill says. That is breathtaking in its devotion to the oil and gas industry's agenda. Now, my motion to recommit would ensure that the President and Federal Government agencies charged with protecting human health, the environment, and public safety can continue to do their job that constituents rely on them to do. Specifically, with this amendment, we will ensure that bedrock health and safety laws, like the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act, that laws like that will not be cast aside in favor of Big Oil's desire to sell more crude overseas. Now, if you think about it, this is a very straightforward motion. I just want to ask my colleagues a question: Should crude oil exports trump the Safe Drinking Water Act? Should Big Oil profits trump the need for pipeline safety and pipeline inspection? Of course not. We need to protect safe drinking water. We need to ensure pipeline safety. So, my colleagues, I urge you to vote ``yes'' on this MTR to improve this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Through the Chair, I would say to my friend, I appreciate the offer, but I don't think there could be anything more transparent than going on record and voting on these.

Mr. HUFFMAN. I am going to ask for a rollcall vote.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. HUFFMAN. To my esteemed colleague and coach of the baseball team, in the spirit of thinking good thoughts, if you will think good thoughts about considering the impacts to our environment and our climate, I will accept your previous offer to voice vote this amendment, and maybe all of this great good thought stuff will get us home faster.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Deborah ``Deb'' Ann Hubsmith, who lost her battle with cancer on August 18, 2015 in Fairfax, CA at the young age of 46. A Marin resident for over 20 years, Ms. Hubsmith will be remembered as a local and national advocate for safe pedestrian and biking routes for all. Ms. Hubsmith grew up in New Jersey. Upon graduation from Lehigh University, she established a vibrant life in Marin County. Though always committed to sustainability and bio-diversity, after suffering a tragic accident nearly 15 years ago, Ms. Hubsmith turned her focus towards safe alternative modes of transportation. Ms. Hubsmith was a vigorous advocate for alternate modes of transportation, co-creating the national and award winning The Safe Routes to School National Program, in addition to founding the Marin County Bicycle Coalition. Among her many accomplishments across the nation and in Marin County, Ms. Hubsmith played a significant role in the creation of SMART, a commuter train linking Marin and Sonoma County, and bike and pedestrian pathway. Ms. Hubsmith's advocacy on the local, state, and federal level has ensured generations of America's children will have a safe walkable or bikeable route to school. Her legacy will benefit many individuals and communities for years to come. It is therefore appropriate that we pay tribute to her today and express our deepest condolences to her husband, Andy; her parents, Mary Lou, Jack and Jack's wife Elly; her sister, Christine; as well as Ms. Hubsmith's large network of family and friends.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Elizabeth Matsumoto, who is honored by the Northern California Association of Nonprofits with the 2015 Nonprofit Leader Achievement Award, a recognition she richly deserves. Elizabeth's commitment to improving the lives of those in need in Humboldt County is noteworthy. Through her work with Housing Humboldt, she has touched numerous lives by increasing access to quality, safe, and affordable housing for lower and moderate-income individuals, families and seniors--a much-needed resource in this rural region. While obtaining her Environment and Community Master's degree from Humboldt State University, Ms. Matsumoto joined Housing Humboldt in 2003, working on the development of the county's first community land trust homes. Since then she has been integral to the completion of 22 community land trust homes, which provide a unique opportunity for affordable home ownership. She continues to assist with resale and refinancing to keep these homes affordable. Elizabeth's technical expertise and leadership also made it possible for Housing Humboldt to continue to manage and improve 105 affordable apartments throughout the county. During periods of organizational transition, Elizabeth Matsumoto stepped up to provide stability and guidance as interim executive director, development director, and now as co-executive director while seeing large-scale housing projects through to completion. Most recently, she led the development of the county's first permanent supportive housing complex, which opened in September to serve chronically homeless and extremely low income individuals, including supportive services such as case management to help keep people housed. She forged multiple partnerships and creatively leveraged millions of dollars in investments to bring this dream to fruition. In addition to her work with Housing Humboldt, Elizabeth Matsumoto has shared her talents with the community through the Humboldt League of Women Voters Board of Directors, Humboldt Tri-Kids Triathlon Organizing Committee, and the Community Gifts Committee for the Alzheimer's Center. She balances her service with being a mom to two young children and enjoying activities such as running, mountain biking, and playing soccer. Mr. Speaker, Elizabeth Matsumoto's commitment to improving access to safe and affordable housing is commendable and worthy of recognition. I urge my colleagues to join me in extending our congratulations to her.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Felicia Gaston, who, since founding Performing Stars of Marin 25 years ago, has endeavored to give low-income and at-risk children in the North Bay access to the arts. For two and a half decades, Ms. Gaston has worked tirelessly to help more than 1,300 young people in Marin City and San Rafael ``reach for the stars'' through performance, giving them an outlet for creativity and pushing them to develop discipline, self- reliance, and self-esteem in their early years and beyond. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Gaston moved to California with her family as a teenager, later relocating to the Bay Area in college. She founded Performing Stars in 1990 to give local children access to opportunities she never had. As a black child in the South, Ms. Gaston encountered segregation and discrimination, which prevented her from taking classes at her local ballet school. By providing opportunities for young people to dance, perform, and express themselves through art regardless of skin color or socioeconomic background, her leadership and tenacity has helped other children avoid the struggle she faced. Performing Stars has impacted hundreds of students and thousands of family members, classmates, and friends. Participants receive access to scholarships for arts programs, opportunities for performance, group trips to local arts events, and life skills workshops. More than that, they become part of the outstanding Performing Stars community that Ms. Gaston has created. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we honor and thank Felicia Gaston for her many years of dedicated service in improving young lives in our community. On behalf of the many individuals whose lives she's changed, I am privileged to express deep gratitude to Ms. Felicia Gaston for her continuing leadership, thoughtfulness, and passion.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, for more than 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has protected America's natural heritage. This fund is one of our Nation's most important conservation tools. Every single year, millions of Americans hike the trails that this fund has helped build, they visit the national parks that this fund helped create, and they enjoy the wildland vistas that it helped protect. This fund has supported more than 40,000 projects in nearly every county in every State in our Nation. In my own district on California's north coast, it has funded projects in Redwood National Park, in Six Rivers National Forest, and in the Point Reyes National Seashore. Since 2004, it has helped add more than 1,000 acres to the King Range National Conservation Area, which is one of the most rugged and spectacular backpacking areas you will find anywhere in the continental United States. It is also known as the Lost Coast. The positive impact that this fund has had is simply staggering. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has permanently protected 5 million acres of public lands, and that includes sections of American icons, like the Grand Canyon National Park and the Appalachian Trail. Best of all, it has done all of this at no taxpayer expense. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is financed by a portion of offshore drilling fees. Congress needs to remember that preserving our natural heritage isn't just good for our environment; it is good for our economy. Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone for many local and State economies, bringing tourists from around the world to shop at local businesses, to eat at restaurants, to stay at hotels. In California alone, outdoor recreation supports $85.4 billion in consumer spending and 732,000 jobs across the State; but in just 2 weeks, authorization of this fund will expire, leaving local economies in jeopardy, leaving our land managers struggling to make up for lost funding. Fifty years ago, Congress created the Land and Water Conservation Fund with an overwhelming bipartisan vote. I hope Congress can come together now to support H.R. 1814, a bipartisan bill sponsored by my friend Mr. Grijalva, that permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund. America's natural heritage and our economy depend on it.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action because we cannot allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and this is the smartest, most responsible way to prevent that. Nuclear experts, our own military and intelligence communities, and all five nations that have negotiated with us--countries that have a direct interest in preventing an Iranian bomb--all agree this deal will work. It does it by restricting Iran's nuclear enrichment to nonthreatening levels and by imposing an unprecedented framework of inspections, monitoring, and enforcement--mechanisms that are not built on trust but that are built on distrust and verification. Is this deal perfect? No. I would prefer a deal that permanently bans all enrichment. However, experts agree that this deal can and will keep Iran's nuclear program in a box for at least the next 15 years. Now, opponents think we should blow this deal up, walk away, and try for a better deal. With all due respect, I think they are in denial. All of our negotiating partners tell us that that is not going to happen. We would go forward with a much weaker hand, without any, perhaps, sanction partners at all, and with a huge loss of credibility for abandoning our own deal. Blowing this deal up only makes sense if you are prepared to go to war. I know--and I am distressed to say--that, across the aisle, many think that that is a good idea. I am concerned that, across the aisle, there is an outbreak of Dick Cheney fever and the amnesia that goes with it. They want to take us back to the good old days of the Bush years when unilateralism and militarism made us less safe, not safer. There is a smarter and more responsible way forward to prevent Iran from having a bomb. Let's give diplomacy and peace a chance. Let's support this agreement.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I submit this statement to honor the memory of Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Corporal Rich Schlesiger, who passed away on September 7, 2015. A native of Humboldt County, California, Mr. Schlesiger began his law enforcement career in the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office in 1991. He was hired by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office as a deputy sheriff in 1995 and worked in the Hoopa area for a year before being reassigned to Main Station Patrol Operations in Eureka. Mr. Schlesiger served as bailiff for Humboldt County Superior Court beginning in 1999, and become a rotational detective in 2001. In 2005, Mr. Schlesiger was promoted to permanent investigator. Between 2005 and 2013 he investigated several high-profile homicide cases which resulted in successful prosecutions. In 2013, Mr. Schlesiger accepted a position as Eel River deputy, working with the Bear River Band of Rhonerville Rancheria and the community of Loleta, and earned the respect and gratitude of many of the area's citizens. He was promoted to the rank of sheriff's corporal in 2014. Through his career, Mr. Schlesiger also served with distinction as a SWAT team member. Mr. Schlesiger was forced to retire due to illness on December 30, 2014, and passed away less than a year afterward. His many contributions to law enforcement and public safety will be remembered for years to come. It is with deep respect that we mourn the passing of Mr. Rich Schlesiger and extend condolences to his family. His presence will be sorely missed.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on September 8, 2015, I was absent for rollcall vote 490. Had I been present for rollcall vote 490, on passage of S. 1359, I would have voted ``yes''.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Robert Fisher, who passed away on July 17 in Fairfax, California, at the age of 68. A nearly-lifelong Marin resident and community leader, he will be remembered for his unyielding efforts to better lives in Marin City and beyond. From an early age, Mr. Fisher cared deeply about others. He moved to Marin City a year after his birth, and attended high school and college in the North Bay. He first ran for office at the age of 23, serving on the Sausalito-Marin City School District board and later, for the Marin City Community Services District board. He also worked as a student counselor at his alma mater, the College of Marin, and became an engineer by profession. Mr. Fisher's efforts will continue to impact lives long after his passing. He was involved with the Marin City Health and Wellness Center, Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. School, and the recently-opened Rocky Graham Park. A new community center for Marin City--one of his dreams--has begun the planning process. Robert Fisher's lifetime dedication to public service exemplifies an inspirational spirit of generosity and a model for others to follow. It is therefore appropriate that we pay tribute to him today and express our deepest condolences to his wife, Agnes, his sister, Lue Ann, and his children.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Elizabeth Burko, who was a true and committed leader in the California State Parks who lost her life on August 22, 2015. Elizabeth Burko was born in Ohio and attended college at the University of Colorado where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science before moving out to California. She began her career as a volunteer docent at Ano Nuevo State Reserve in 1985 where she was eventually hired on as a park aide. For 30 years, Burko dedicated her life and career to the mission and purpose of California State Parks. In 2007 she became the Superintendent of the Russian River District of California State Parks which includes parks in both Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. Throughout her career Burko proved to be dedicated to the mission of the State Parks, but it was during the recession that she truly demonstrated the value of her leadership. Her management skills and creativity made it possible to avoid many park closures in the district and maintain the integrity of the State Parks mission. She was known for her willingness to collaborate with local non-profit groups in order to improve park access and management. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognition of Elizabeth Burko whose contributions to the Russian River District of California State Parks will be valued by park visitors and staff alike for years to come. She will be greatly missed.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Lorrie Lewis, who passed away this August in Novato, California, at the age of 72. A lifelong advocate for people with developmental disabilities, Mrs. Lewis was defined by her radiant warmth, focused passion, and unremitting selfless actions. Calling Mrs. Lewis an inspiration does not capture her complete dedication to helping others. After managing a group home in the North Bay with her husband, Jim, the couple co-founded the Institute for Abundant Living (IAL) in 1995. Since then, the Institute has provided educational opportunities to people living with developmental disabilities, pushing them to achieve more academically and equipping them with skills to succeed personally and professionally. I can attest to the hard work and enthusiasm of both staff and students through my firsthand observations when visiting the Institute for Abundant Living over the years. The organization plays an important role in the North Bay and has touched innumerable lives in its two decades of operation. Marin County was truly lucky to count Mrs. Lewis as an activist and neighbor. Mrs. Lewis was active in her faith community and loved nothing more than being with her family. She will be missed far beyond those circles, however, as her unyielding efforts will continue to impact our community for years to come. It is therefore appropriate that we pay tribute to her today and express our deepest condolences to Jim, her sons Andy and Kirt Lewis, and her grandchildren.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Casa Allegra Community Services (CACS), which has been providing residential support, community integration and income earning opportunities for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in the San Francisco Bay Area for four decades. In 1975, Chris Bonfiglio and Eileen Falvey co-founded CACS in San Rafael, California to provide housing for five young people with disabilities facing unexpected homelessness. They not only succeeded in their goal, but have grown the organization significantly from its origins. Today CACS runs two long-term care homes along with numerous living, educational, and career programs for individuals with disabilities in seven counties across the region. The hard work undertaken by the staff and leadership at CACS has impacted many in its 40 years. CACS' efforts extend beyond meeting basic needs--which it performs well and with compassion--by striving to encourage people with disabilities to lead meaningful lives. CACS has played a crucial and necessary role in our community by serving as a voice for those who need it most. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting to honor and thank Casa Allegra Community Services on their 40th Anniversary for their commitment to bettering the lives of those with disabilities.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Joseph ``Joey'' Mendoza Jr., who passed away on July 23, 2015, surrounded by his family and friends. A third-generation member of a pioneering Point Reyes ranching family, Joey Mendoza was a very active leader within the local agricultural community and has been among the industry's most steadfast and passionate supporters. Joey Mendoza was born on December 30, 1943, to Joe Sr. and Doris ``Scotty'' Mendoza and was raised on the family's historic working ranch in Point Reyes National Seashore, known as `B' Ranch, where he also attended the one room school house located on that property. He went on to graduate from Tomales High School in 1961 before completing his education at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. During his long career as a dairyman and agricultural advocate, Joey Mendoza was dedicated to the success of his family business. He shared his leadership skills and comprehensive knowledge of the dairy industry by contributing to the boards and committees of numerous organizations, including the Western United Dairymen, the Dairymen's Feed Co-op, and the Marin County Farm Bureau, where he served as board president from 1982 to 1984. The California State Milk Pooling Board, the Point Reyes National Seashore Ranchers Association, the California Gold Co-op, the Redwood Empire Holstein Association, and the North Bay Dairy Herd Improvement Association also benefitted from his support. Known for his keen sense of humor and his ability to balance the principles of environmental stewardship while advancing economic viability and protecting future success for the long-standing ranching legacy in Point Reyes National Seashore, Joey was a reliable friend to the agricultural community, the National Park Service, and the extended West Marin community alike. Able to forge consensus around vexing and controversial issues, his steady thoughtfulness, strength, and wit were a model for others and won't be soon forgotten. Even as he battled cancer in his final days, Joey was a force to be reckoned with and respected by all. While he was an incredibly dedicated rancher throughout his life, Joey never missed an opportunity to participate in social gatherings, enjoy a hunt with his deer club, or support the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and his beloved Tomales Braves. His love for his family and friends was immense, and his passing leaves a void. Mr. Speaker, Joey Mendoza's legacy is one of dedication to the local agriculture and broader West Marin ranching community. It is therefore appropriate to pay tribute to him today and express deepest condolences to his wife of thirty-five years, Linda Mendoza; brother, Jim Mendoza; daughter, Jolynn McClelland; son, Jarrod Mendoza; grandchildren, Collin and Luke McClelland and Layla Mendoza; in addition to his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chairman, I respectfully disagree that that language is clear, but I would note that that language says nothing about tribal sovereignty. Mr. Chairman, colleagues, this is a bill that is deeply flawed. It should be opposed for all sorts of reasons. But here is an amendment that would at least make it a little better for those of us that represent Indian Country, for those of us that care about tribal sovereignty. For those of us that want to protect the tribes who have taken action on their land, who have in some cases partnered with States for buffer zones near tribal land, we ought to at least take this additional step to make it clear that they can do that, that we are not running roughshod over their tribal sovereignty. With that, I request an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chairman, if the intent is not to prohibit or restrict or preempt tribal sovereignty, why not make it clear, why not pass this amendment? I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).

Mr. HUFFMAN

Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bill Townsend, who will be ninety-nine years old on August 13, 2015, for his many years of service to Mendocino County. Since 1947, Mr. Townsend has dedicated his time, talent, and energy to the health of our forests and rivers, and to the youth of Mendocino County. A lifelong sportsman, Mr. Townsend has demonstrated an enduring commitment to preserving our natural resources for future generations. For sixty years, he has volunteered his time, beginning with his work at the Iron Gate Fish Hatchery in 1955. His contributions have included everything from fish ladders, Pike Minnow Derbies, stream restoration projects, and 43 years of grilling fish at the ``World's Largest Salmon Barbeque'' in Fort Bragg, California, which raises funds for fisheries. With his dedication to fish habitat restoration, it was fitting that in 1973 the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors appointed Bill to the Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission where he served as chairman for 15 years until he retired in 1988. Throughout his tenure on the commission, Mr. Townsend worked tirelessly to support healthy fisheries and integrate youth education into the Commission's projects. Mr. Townsend served as president of Salmon Unlimited for three years starting in 1991, where he played an instrumental role in the development of the hatchery on Rowdy Creek on the Smith River. Included in his legacy of accomplishments is his work to secure the fish hatchery at Coyote Dam, which was completed in 1996 and renamed the ``Bill Townsend Fish Hatchery'' in 2004. He also served his community on the Russian River Flood Control Board for five years from 2005-2010, ``retiring'' at the age of 97. Mr. Speaker, it is fitting to honor and thank Bill Townsend for his many years of dedicated service. I am privileged to express deep appreciation to Mr. Townsend for his profound impacts on our rivers and convey to him my best wishes on his ninety-ninth birthday.