Derek Kilmer

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ocosta High School in Westport, Washington for receiving the 2014 American Forest & Paper Association's School Recycling Award for Partnerships. These partnership awards, offered by the AFPA, seek to recognize and promote new and innovative programs that increase the amount of paper recovered for recycling. Ocosta High School established a paper recycling program in 1992 when the nearby Port of Grays Harbor recycling program closed down. Since then, Ocosta High School's recycling program has evolved into a district-wide program, working not only with students at all grade levels, but local businesses and the community as a whole. Ocosta High School also operates a baling machine which allows them to track the success of the program and compare amounts of paper recovered with past records. In 2013, over two decades since beginning the program, Ocosta High School recovered 24 tons of paper and paper- based products. Programs such as Ocosta High School's recycling program are an essential component of our work for developing and expanding renewable resources. The commitment we share will ensure sustainability for future generations. In receiving this special recognition, I am confident that Ocosta High School will inspire other schools to create new and innovative programs that will increase the amount of paper and paper-based packaging recovered for recycling. The high school's work for sustainability and environmental awareness has had a substantial benefit to our region and to the nation. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by sending my best wishes for the school's continued success, and again applauding Ocosta High School's students and faculty on receiving the 2014 American Forest & Paper Association's School Recycling Award for Partnerships. I am proud to recognize their dedication to environmental stewardship and to their community, today, in the United States Congress.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Westport, WA, which is celebrating its 100th year as a city on June 26, 2014. This historic fishing community located on the beautiful coast of Washington State serves as a gateway to Grays Harbor and the majestic Olympic Mountains. The city of Westport has a rich history. The coastal community and region is the ancestral home of several local Native American tribes who remain vibrant today. In the summer of 1857, Thomas Barker Speake and his family settled in what would eventually become the city known as Westport. Among the earliest structures built, the Westport Lighthouse was dedicated on April 14, 1898, and still stands as a beacon for weary mariners anxious to return home from sea. By 1914, Westport was a busy, though small, center for fishing, shellfish harvesting, seafood processing, and tourism. This history has given Westport a strong connection to its environment and natural resources. Today, with a population of over 2,000 citizens, Westport continues to rely on these resources for much of its livelihood. Westport's centennial celebration demonstrates the vitality and continued excellence of the city's maritime and fishing heritage. I have seen firsthand some of the businesses that keep Westport moving forward, such as Ocean Gold Seafood and Westport Shipyards. I have enjoyed the extraordinary sense of community that happens during the annual Blessing of the Fleet. The Founders Day celebrations will help ring in the 100th anniversary of the beloved City of Westport. I am proud to join Mayor Michael Bruce in his efforts to commemorate this special occasion. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by again congratulating the City of Westport on their first centennial celebration. I am pleased today to recognize in the United States Congress the city's contribution to my home state's history and to a stronger nation.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor the sailors of the USS Pennsylvania's gold crew for completing a 140-day patrol. This is the longest strategic deterrence patrol ever in an Ohio class submarine and the longest of any kind since the 1970s. The servicemembers of the Pennsylvania ought to be proud of their accomplishments. They have done an extraordinary job of demonstrating the resilience of our sailors and the capability of our platforms. We must also thank and pay tribute to the families of those servicemembers who went without their loved ones for more than one- third of a year. President Kennedy once said: Control of the seas means security, control of the seas means peace, and control of the seas means victory. The Pacific Northwest is proud--this country is proud--of the accomplishments and sacrifices of our sailors and their families. We are thankful for what you do for our Nation.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Gig Harbor, Washington's Chief of Police, Mike Davis, for his many years of public service to our community. Chief Davis's career is evidence of his commitment to serving the community. Davis joined the Kitsap County Sheriff's Department nearly 30 years ago on July 1, 1984. During his time in Kitsap County, he served as a corporal, sergeant, undersheriff, and sheriff. Serving as Gig Harbor's Police Chief since 2004, Davis has been an invaluable resource to our community and has dedicated himself to ensuring the safety of all residents. Under his tenure, Davis has helped the department upgrade and streamline vital technology, has maintained the department's response time of less than four minutes, and has bridged the gap with the community by encouraging the department's customer-service directed model. With his upcoming retirement, he succeeds in being the longest-serving police chief in the city of Gig Harbor's history. Davis has gone above and beyond to make our community a better place. In his work as a D.A.R.E. officer in the Kitsap County Sheriff's department, he worked to prevent drug abuse among the area's youth. As Police Chief of the Gig Harbor Police Department, Davis established the Jaycox Police Benevolent Fund. In addition to helping Project Safe Harbor and the department's Citizens Offering Police Support program, the Jaycox Fund provides scholarships to high school seniors who strive to work in criminal justice one day. Davis has dedicated himself to serving his community, and as someone who lives in that community and who is raising two little girls, I'm enormously grateful for that. He will retire on June 30, 2014, after protecting our region for exactly 30 years. Despite his retirement, Davis's work will remain an inspiration in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by again applauding Davis for his dedication to serving the people of Kitsap County and Gig Harbor. He is an extraordinary first responder and a great American. I am honored to recognize his service today in the United States Congress.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my concern about the need for fully supporting Native American housing programs. I recognize that my colleagues faced a number of difficult choices when crafting this bill, and I specifically want to thank the chairman and ranking member for their work in fully funding the President's request for Native American Housing Block Grants at $650 million. I am pleased to stand here today along with such strong advocates for Indian housing programs, and I am grateful for the leadership that each of the speakers today has shown. I do share my colleagues' concerns over the adequate funding for our Native Hawaiian housing needs, and I am hopeful that, as this legislation moves forward, Congress can work to address this need as well as to resolve some serious issues with other parts of the bill. Now, as the members of this committee well know, the challenges facing adequate housing for Indian Country are profound. The district that I represent is home to nine tribes. I have seen firsthand what a difference these housing programs make to individual families and to their communities, and the statistics bear out just how substantial the need is here. In 2012, the Department of Housing and Urban Development found that more than 25 percent of Indian housing units lack basic facilities, are overcrowded, or cost more than 50 percent of residents' incomes. There is a need today for 200,000 more housing units in Indian Country. That is why I am hoping that this body will soon hold a hearing on the reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self- Determination Act, or NAHASDA. I know that there has been bipartisan work both in the House and in the Senate on identifying ways to increase the effectiveness of these programs and to reduce duplicative bureaucratic requirements; but there is another element of NAHASDA that I think is absolutely important not only to Indian Country but also to those who have worn the uniform in service to our country. That element is homelessness among our tribal veterans. In December 2012, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness found that, while Native Americans make up 0.7 percent of the total population of veterans, they represent 2\1/2\ percent of veterans experiencing homelessness. In other words, homelessness disproportionately affects our tribal veterans. Unfortunately, as I stand here today, we don't have the tools we need to help fight homelessness among our tribal veterans. The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, which has made real and significant progress in tackling veterans' homelessness, does not have the authorities and flexibilities to provide support to the native veterans who are facing homelessness. That is why I was pleased to join with Representative Cole--a true champion for Indian Country--in introducing H.R. 3418, the Housing Native Heroes Act. Our legislation doesn't cost any new money, but it would, instead, authorize existing funds to support a demonstration project that would allow tribes to manage this voucher program directly. In both the House and the Senate, the proposed reauthorization bills advance this proposal, making critical progress in the fight to reduce homelessness among tribal veterans. We have an obligation--a trust obligation--to our tribes but also a sacred obligation to all of our veterans, which is to take care of them when they return home. We simply cannot turn a blind eye to the needs of our native veterans. If this Chamber can make progress in advancing the NAHASDA reauthorization, I am confident that we can end this anomaly that leaves our tribal veterans without the support they need. I would like to conclude by noting that the underlying bill before us today provides $75 million for the HUD-VASH program, which is in line with the President's budget request. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their continued support for this program. I ask, as this committee continues its work of combating homelessness among our veterans, that the challenges facing our tribal veterans not be forgotten. I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment Offered by Mr. Denham

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Linda Joyce for her many years of public service to our community. As the Executive Director for the YWCA of Kitsap County for 20 years, Ms. Joyce has expanded the organization to better serve the needs of the community and has been an unyielding advocate for social justice. Ms. Joyce's career path is a testament of her lifelong passion and commitment to serving the public. After receiving a degree in sociology, Ms. Joyce served as a social worker assisting families, children, and seniors. Later, her career path led her to work one-on- one with domestic violence survivors at a local shelter--a role that defined her mission in life and initiated her career at the YWCA. One does not have to search long to find the positive results of Ms. Joyce's tireless work. Her leadership was instrumental in a three-phase renovation of the YWCA ALIVE Shelter and expanding and relocating the YWCA Community Center. Furthermore, Ms. Joyce has advanced community dialogue and awareness through the creation of public events such as Week without Violence, ArtsAlive, and the Women of Achievement Recognition Luncheon, where she herself was recently recognized. The impact that these programs have had, and continue to have, is immeasurable and profoundly significant. Today, the YWCA of Kitsap County has broadened the local safety net and is accessed annually by over 6,000 community members seeking to overcome domestic violence or housing challenges, or to pursue opportunities to strengthen their careers and families. Mr. Speaker, I have been encouraged by Ms. Joyce's community leadership and I applaud her for her celebrated tenure. Ms. Joyce's mission to ensure the welfare and dignity of domestic violence survivors as well as the empowerment of women has shaped our community for the better. I am pleased to recognize Linda Joyce in the United States Congress.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Walt Washington for his many years of public service to our community. Walt Washington is a decorated veteran with a long history of commitment to public service and community involvement. While he started his career in banking, he continued on to serve as a public official. Serving as Kitsap County Auditor since 2008, Walt Washington has been a valued member of our state government. Walt has dedicated himself to ensuring accountability and accessibility to all Kitsap residents. Walt Washington oversaw the implementation of more than 340 changes in federal and state laws to safeguard voters' rights and protect against election fraud. As Auditor, Walt has maintained Kitsap County's reputation for integrity in elections, and has encouraged civic involvement in election oversight and voter registration. Mr. Washington's focus on fiscal accountability led him to receive a national award for excellence in financial reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association. He is also the recipient of the Pioneer in Preserving Military Voting Award for his department's innovative efforts to make voting more accessible for U.S. citizens living and serving overseas. Walt Washington has dedicated himself to serving his country. Despite his retirement, Walt Washington's work against voter suppression, voter disenfranchisement, and commitment to fair elections will surely continue in the Kitsap County Auditor's office and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by again applauding Walt Washington for his dedication to serving the people of Washington state. I am pleased to recognize Walt Washington today in the United States Congress.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a historic leader for the Puyallup Tribe, for the State of Washington, and for our Nation. The longtime Puyallup tribal chairman, Herman Dillon, Sr., passed away last week at the age of 82. Chairman Dillon led a life dedicated to ensuring that the tribe and our region can continue to thrive for generations to come. Chairman Dillon began a long career of service first by joining the U.S. Naval Reserve. And during the Korean war, he was drafted into the Army and spent 2 years honorably serving our country in Pusan, Korea. Elected to the Puyallup Tribal Council in 1971, Chairman Dillon played an instrumental role in seeing through a number of historic achievements, including the Puyallup Indian Land Claims Settlement, the Washington State Gaming Compact, and key economic decisions that led to the Puyallup Tribe becoming the third largest employer in Pierce County, Washington. Mr. Speaker, Chairman Dillon and his wife, Darlene, also served their community as foster parents, opening their hearts and homes to support many children in need. The tribe and our entire region are stronger and more prosperous as a result of his vision and unwavering efforts to build a brighter future. He will be sorely missed by the tribe, by our region, and by me.

Mr. KILMER

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

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would increase funding for the Economic High-Tech and Cyber Crime Prevention grant program by $2 million. In my home State of Washington, we develop some of the Nation's most advanced software and aircraft and tools for our men and women in uniform. We need to be ready to help our private sector partners protect their intellectual property, competitive edge, and the capabilities of our warfighters. The Economic High-Tech and Cyber Crime Prevention program is one of the best opportunities for the Federal Government to assist State and local law enforcement entities to address cyber crimes through the funding of training and technical assistance projects. Specifically, the program was designed to leverage State and local support to help national agencies involved in protecting our homeland security through the prevention of law enforcement against cyber crimes. Cyber crime is not new, but it is becoming an even greater threat to our families, our businesses, and to our national security. As far back as 2012, the Federal Bureau of Investigation made headlines for arresting dozens of cyber criminals worldwide who were involved in a complicated scheme. Recently, the Director of the FBI testified before the other Chamber that state-sponsored cyber crime is ``an enormous challenge,'' noting the Department of Justice recently issued a 31-count indictment against hackers backed by the Chinese Government. As a member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats, and Capabilities, I know that we need to double down on protecting our intellectual property from electronic theft and intrusion. We cannot have innovation stifled out of fear of protection, loss of intellectual property, and future profits. After all, innovation is the engine behind our economy and our national defense. It is what keeps small businesses and large conglomerates devising the next tools to protect our servicepeople and keep shipping lanes open. This amendment would help State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with technical assistance, training, and outreach activities. It would provide training in the investigation and prosecution of cyber crimes, increasing the odds that those that seek to do harm are brought to justice. Moreover, it gives the Federal Government a greater opportunity to leverage their counterparts' abilities to attain our national goals. One month ago, I was privileged to join representatives of local utilities, the Washington State Military Department, academia, and law enforcement to discuss ways to protect our Nation's critical infrastructure from cyber attacks. This summit provided an opportunity for us to bring all of the stakeholders into a room and discuss known vulnerabilities and how we can help each other. One of the most important outcomes of that summit was the need to work together at the local, State, and Federal level, hand in hand with our private sector partners to fully address this threat. That is what this amendment does. It would provide Federal assistance to complement such efforts and would increase our security. With my brief time remaining, I would just like to thank the ranking member and echo the good words of the previous speakers thanking the gentleman, the chairman, for his excellent work and partnership. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, this amendment includes two provisions that I authored. The first provision ensures that Navy employees, like those in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, can continue to earn the overtime pay that they deserve when working overseas. This amendment supports our national security and ensures that we are standing up for our civilian workforce. It allowed nuclear engineers to earn the same amount of money when they work in Japan as they would when they work in the United States. Without that authorization to pay overtime to the civilian personnel serving the mission, we will lose the ability to attract and retain qualified and experienced men and women to step up and serve in this capacity. The inclusion of this provision helps ensure our Navy's readiness and fairness to our civilian employees. I am honored to have worked with Representative Forbes on this provision, but I would also like to thank Chairman Issa for his cooperation. Mr. Chairman, this package also includes a provision that is aimed at saving taxpayer money, improving military readiness, and preventing needless delays and cost overruns that could harm our servicemen and - women. Simply put, working capital fund employees should not be furloughed due to a lack of appropriated funds. They are not dependent on direct appropriations from Congress. As a result, furloughing working capital fund employees would save no money. Furloughing working capital fund employees would delay critical maintenance, drive up costs, and delay the availability of ships, planes, and other necessary tools that are critical to our national defense. I am honored to have worked with Representative Cole on this provision. Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues' support for this package and the underlying bill.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss the threat of ocean acidification to my region and others. I live in the most glorious part of this world. As a dad, it is a joy to share the Pacific Northwest natural resources with my two little girls. But those natural resources don't just contribute to our recreational experiences; they contribute to our economy, too. In Washington State alone, the shellfish industry contributes more than $250 million to our economy and supports more than 3,200 jobs. Our coast depends on a strong fishing industry. All of that is threatened by ocean acidification. Last week, in Tacoma, I listened to businesses, fishermen, and researchers detail how we are beginning to see the effects of our changing ocean chemistry. It has impacted shellfish--we know that--but we have not yet begun to comprehend how ocean acidification disrupts our larger marine ecosystem. That is why this week I am introducing the Ocean Acidification Innovation Act, which would encourage Federal agencies to better leverage existing Federal dollars by creating incentives for the private sector and researchers to strengthen our ability to research, monitor, and mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification. Mr. Speaker, we need to act now. Our economy depends on it.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the Pacific Northwest-- and America--lost a true legend. Billy Frank, Jr., the chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, made his mark on so many people and so many issues. His legacy on civil rights issues, on ensuring America lives up to its tribal treaty obligations and protecting our natural resources, has touched generations past and present. When Billy spoke, you listened. We saw that firsthand just 2 weeks ago, when he commanded a room at a tribal summit in my district that included tribal leaders, Federal officials, and the Secretary of the Interior. After a recent meeting with Billy, I was walking to my car with a member of my staff. Midway there, I said, Hold on for a second. He asked me what was up. I said, Can we just take a minute and appreciate the fact that we got to spend a few hours with an absolute icon. I will treasure those hours, the entire time I spent with Billy, and the extraordinary work that he did for our region. There is a Native American proverb that says we should make decisions with an eye toward how they will affect our children seven generations into the future. Billy Frank was the embodiment of that ethos. He will be missed.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the State of Israel's Sixty-Sixth year of independence. As the grandson of a Holocaust survivor, I understand the importance of a Jewish state as both a democratic society and a refuge of culture and heritage. I am proud to celebrate its continued success. The spirit of Israel is as strong today as it was in 1948 when Great Britain's mandate expired and a new nation was born. Its people continue to seek academic advancement, participate in international commerce, and support the arts. All this, while managing threats to its security. My respect for this nation and its people is great. Having traveled to Israel I observed the reality of bomb children's recreation center. As a father I cannot grasp the chilling fear of wondering if it's okay for my kids to play today or if they need to go to the reinforced recreation center. The fear of becoming yet another victim to terrorism while riding a bus or eating in a cafe could be enough to bring stagnation to a bustling economy. However, not in Israel. Its people rally in the name of freedom and out of the hope for a lasting peace. Their economy--and their nation are strong. Sixty-six years following its declaration of independence, Israel has grown into a strategic ally of the United States. Our nation's commitment to its economy, defense, and people are critically important. I look forward to continuing to support Israel and am again happy to join my colleagues in celebrating its independence.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak in support of Project Labor Agreements. As the House begins consideration of the annual Department of Veterans Affairs-Military Construction Appropriations bill later today, I urge my colleagues to continue to support Project Labor Agreements. We have a great example of just how effective and efficient PLA projects can be with the Navy's largest ongoing military construction project--the construction for the second Explosives Handling Wharf at Naval Base Kitsap. The Explosive Handling Wharf is a critical component of our Nation's nuclear deterrent capability. The use of a PLA at a site of this significance is telling. The Navy recently shared with me that: To date, the PLA has performed its primary function by ensuring no labor disputes interfered with the progress of work on the project and that the project is on schedule and the PLA is operating as intended. Mr. Chairman, why would we remove such a useful tool for military construction, especially at a time when budgets are tight and milestones are tighter? Let's stay on the path to success and maintain the continued use of Project Labor Agreements. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Mr. Nathan Gibbs-Bowling, a teacher from my district who has achieved recognition for being one of the nation's top educators. Mr. Gibbs- Bowling of Lincoln High School in Tacoma recently received the highly prestigious Milken Educator Award, which is given by the Milken Family Foundation to recognize excellence in teaching. Mr. Gibbs-Bowling, winner of the $25,000 prize, was the only recipient this year from Washington State and one of only 35 educators honored nationwide. Mr. Gibbs-Bowling teaches Advanced Placement Government and Advanced Placement Human Geography, as well as a senior seminar on applying for college and obtaining scholarships. He is an engaging teacher who sets high standards for his students while inspiring them with a creative classroom experience. He is known to have his classrooms debate Supreme Court cases and hold mock Congresses. As his students and colleagues will tell you, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling aims to instill intellectual curiosity and a mindset of life-long learning in all of his students. Mr. Gibbs-Bowling grew up in Tacoma. After graduating from Foss High School in 1997, he earned an associate's degree from Pierce College, as well as a bachelor's and master's degree from Evergreen State College. Now, as a dedicated teacher, he is giving back to his community. In addition to helping co-develop the curriculum on Tacoma history and the Washington State history curriculum he wrote from primary source materials, Mr. Gibbs-Bowling is the first teacher at his school to teach Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), a program to improve study skills and college-readiness. He is also a founder of Teachers United, a network of teachers working with local unions to advance education policy. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to congratulate Mr. Gibbs-Bowling for winning the esteemed Milken Educator Award, and I would like to express how grateful I am to have him as a teacher in Washington State. It is an honor to recognize him for the passion and excellence he brings to the classroom.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the challenges facing our coastal communities. Last week, I was honored to help organize a conference in my district that brought increased attention to the economic, social, and environmental priorities of tribal communities. With Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, tribal representatives, and other Federal agency officials and stakeholders, we were able to make significant progress in recognizing the need for active and sustained engagement on economic environmental issues affecting our region. Secretary Jewell rightly pointed out that we have a moral obligation to act in the face of rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and severe weather patterns caused by climate change. In my district alone, three tribes are currently in the process of relocation due to the threats of floods. Mr. Speaker, it is time to act. Let's help regions identify their infrastructure needs and work cooperatively to help ensure that we are protecting coastal communities and their heritage sites, maintaining livelihoods, and living up to our treaty and trust obligations. Let's also work to develop new, cleaner energy sources, cut carbon emissions, and lead a global effort to tackle the real threat of climate change.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to meet with individuals from my region and the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council about important issues concerning people with developmental disabilities. I support their advocacy efforts for people with developmental disabilities and programs that support them. The Washington State Allies in Advocacy has issued a Proclamation for the Dignity and Rights for All Human Beings and I am honored to submit a copy. A Proclamation for the Dignity and Rights of All Human Beings

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of a very simple principle: equal pay for equal work. It turns out I am not the only one in my household who supports equal pay. One morning last month, on my way out the door, my 8-year-old, Sophie, asked me my plans for the day. I said I was having an event called ``When Women Succeed, America Succeeds'' focused on economic opportunity for women, including good jobs and good pay. She said, Dad, that's my agenda. I said, You have an agenda? She said, Yeah. She showed me her ``Diary of a Wimpy Kid'' book. At the top of one of the pages it says, When I am elected President, the laws I pass will be--and number one, she wrote, in penmanship we are going to work on, Women should get paid the same as men. This shouldn't be hard, Madam Speaker. My 8-year-old gets it, and the American people are waiting for Congress to get it too. So let's stand up for equal pay for equal work and bring the Paycheck Fairness Act up for a vote.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Rory Reshovsky, who has achieved national recognition for a short documentary he produced in response to the question, ``What's the most important issue the United States Congress should consider in 2014?'' Rory took home the Third Prize award in C-SPAN's national 2014 StudentCam competition, which is a wonderful competition that challenges our youth to think critically about issues of national importance. I find it inspiring that so many young people are engaged in these debates and contributing their voices as part of our democratic process. Our democracy is strengthened when active citizens like Rory take time to participate in the process. Rory's thoughtful documentary, ``I Do,'' provides a really insightful focus on the issue of marriage equality. I was particularly proud to play a role in the documentary and highlight just how important it is to ensure all committed loving couples are able to marry. After all, I want my daughters to grow up in a country where discrimination is a thing of the past--where people can't be treated differently because of their gender, where they come from, or who they love. The StudentCam competition recognizes the most impressive student filmmakers across the country. Rory has been named one of the top honorees nationwide in a competition that included 2,355 documentaries entered by nearly 5,000 students in 46 states. Mr. Speaker, I heartily applaud Rory for his work producing the documentary. Rory's actions show that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our communities and the national dialogue.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and honor a young student from my district who has achieved national recognition for exemplary volunteer service in her community. Ms. Jessie Swofford of Tacoma has just been named one of the top honorees in Washington by the 2014 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, an annual honor conferred on the most impressive student volunteers across the country. Jessie is being recognized for helping improve the lives of children with autism and their families through volunteering with Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT). Each month Jessie volunteers at FEAT's ``Super Saturdays'', where she organizes games and activities for children with autism. Jessie also mentors teenagers with autism and spends her summers volunteering with an intensive intervention program for youth with autism. Jessie herself battled a digestive disorder and a botched surgery as an infant, and dyslexia growing up, all of which she has overcome. Today she is enrolled in advanced placement and honors courses, and she is discovering her passion to become a speech pathologist. Given the challenges we face today, it is vital that we encourage and support the kind of selfless contributions that these young citizens have made. Young volunteers like Jessie are inspiring examples to all of us and are among our brightest hopes for a better tomorrow. The program that brought this young role model to our attention--The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards--was created by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals in 1995 to impress upon all youth volunteers that their contributions are critically important and highly valued--and to inspire other young people to follow their example. Over the past 19 years, the program has become the Nation's largest youth recognition effort based solely on community service, and has honored more than 100,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level. Jessie should be extremely proud to have been singled out from the thousands of dedicated volunteers who participated in this year's program. I heartily applaud Jessie for seeking to make her community a better place to live and for working to positively impact the lives of others. She has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world. Jessie's actions show that young Americans can--and do--play important roles in our communities and that America's community spirit continues to hold tremendous promise for the future.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Grays Harbor Community Foundation, which has provided unwavering support to the greater Grays Harbor County community. The Grays Harbor Community Foundation was established in 1994 to partner with residents to make investments in the future of our region. Through scholarships, grants, partnerships, and support for the arts, the Foundation has inspired long-term philanthropy and community investment. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to highlight a few of the many accomplishments of the Foundation. In 2012, the Foundation launched the Technology Initiative and provided grants to five school districts that gave them the resources to integrate innovative learning tools into the classroom and increase student engagement and achievement. I applaud their efforts. We know that it is critical to make investments in school technology so that all students have access to critical tools they need to remain competitive in today's increasingly technology-dependent world. I commend the Foundation's scholarship program, which supports students' aspirations of pursing education beyond high school. Education is the door to opportunity and for a lot of families-- including mine--financial aid is the key to that door. This Foundation has done exemplary work partnering with students to help them open that door. Mr. Speaker, the Foundation also partners with an array of excellent local organizations to build art installations, provide safe places for kids to learn and play, fund afterschool programs, help families cover unexpected expenses, and provide access to legal resources. I applaud their work in meeting community needs and making Grays Harbor a better, more vibrant place to live. I am happy to join in the celebration of the Foundation's 20th year. As I close, it is only appropriate to acknowledge the work of Executive Director Jim Daly, Finance and Accounting Officer Jim George, Program Officer Cassie Lentz, Office Manager Cari Jewell, and the Foundation's Board of Directors for their ongoing support of the Grays Harbor Community Foundation. It is my sincere pleasure to recognize their outstanding service today in the United States Congress.

Mr. KILMER

Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Frank Kitamoto, and offer my condolences to his family and friends in light of his passing. As President of the Bainbridge Island Japanese Community for over 25 years, Dr. Kitamoto has helped thousands of people learn about Japanese American incarceration during World War II. His leadership and mentorship has impacted the Bainbridge Island community for years to come. At the age of two, Dr. Kitamoto and his family were among the 277 Bainbridge Island residents forced from their homes and taken to Manzanar War Relocation Center in California, as directed by Executive Order 9066 and Civilian Exclusion Order No. 1. Later, his family was transferred to the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Idaho. They were the first required to leave their homes. In total, 12,000 Japanese American Washingtonians were forced out of their homes for the duration of the war. After World War II he returned to Bainbridge Island and served as a dentist for the community. It was important to Dr. Kitamoto that people remember and students learn about Japanese American history and forced relocation during WWII. In 1983, he began an oral history project of Japanese American culture and internment so that people could listen to their compelling and heartfelt stories. Dr. Kitamoto visited classrooms in Washington State and traveled around the country to share these stories and talk about the Japanese American experience during WWII. Dr. Kitamoto played an integral role in the installation of the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial on Bainbridge Island. He has been honored by the Bainbridge Island Arts and Humanities Council with the Island Treasure Award and the Kitsap Human Rights Commission bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Speaker, our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Kitamoto for his commitment to human rights and dedication to ensuring that the stories of this difficult period in American history are told. While Dr. Kitamoto was greatly missed at the 72nd anniversary commemoration of the forced removal of Bainbridge Island Japanese Americans, his memory and great work will never be forgotten. I am pleased to recognize his service to the community and honor his legacy today in the United States Congress.