Barbara Lee

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Terrance Kelly for his extraordinary contributions to the music industry and to the faith community. Mr. Kelly is currently the Artistic Director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, where he leads over 100 rehearsals and 50 performances annually. Mr. Kelly graduated from the Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. He went on to study at Holy Names University with a focus on Vocal Performance. Mr. Kelly began his career working with Jazz Camp West as Choir Director and Voice Teacher. During his time with Jazz Camp West, Mr. Kelly led the popular All Camp Gospel Choir, helping select the songs, instruct the band, and lead performances. His dedication to music also led Mr. Kelly to begin working with Imani Community Church, where he is currently Minister of Magnification. Mr. Kelly coordinates all musical presentations for the church, as well as leading many different choirs. He also facilitates the Imani Ya Watume liturgical dancers. Additionally, Mr. Kelly serves as Artistic Director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. He has composed and arranged music for the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir, and the Oakland Interfaith Community Choir. The incredible works of music he has worked on have inspired and moved audiences throughout the Bay Area, California, and the world. In his long career in music and faith, Mr. Kelly received many honors. Most recently, Mr. Kelly taught workshops about gospel music at the International Gospel Music Academy of Denmark. His musical talent has been recognized by many influential people, such as Tramaine Hawkins, MC Hammer, John Lee Hooker, and Former President Jimmy Carter. He has received an Emmy Award for his choral arrangement of PSA for KGO-TV, as well as 2 Gospel Academy Awards for Outstanding Director of the Year and Excellence in Choral Music. The San Francisco Opera had the opportunity to work with Mr. Kelly in their rendition of Moby Dick in 2012. Mr. Kelly has also mentored students of music, many of whom have gone on to attend schools such as the Berklee School of Music, Howard University, and Walt Disney's California Institute of the Arts. Throughout his prolific career, Mr. Kelly has impacted the lives of musicians and fans alike, throughout the Bay Area and the world. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, Mr. Terrance Kelly, I salute him. I thank him for a lifetime of service and congratulate him on his many achievements. I wish him success as he continues to serve the residents of the East Bay.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Let me thank the gentlewoman for yielding and for your tremendous leadership on this vital issue and so many issues. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H. Res. 461, which really is nothing more than a politically motivated bill. It would establish a select Energy and Commerce Committee to so-call investigate Planned Parenthood. How outrageous. Let's be clear. This is nothing more than yet another attempt to attack Planned Parenthood and undermine a woman's right to choose. There have already been multiple hearings and committee investigations, none of which have resulted in any evidence of wrongdoing, and this shameful resolution is the fourth anti-choice vote we have had to take in the last month alone. Mr. Speaker, enough is enough. We know that Planned Parenthood centers are critical to the health of women all across the country. One in five women have used Planned Parenthood services at some point in her lifetime for vital services like birth control, lifesaving cancer screenings, and STI screenings. Continuing attempts to restrict access to these health services would hurt our most vulnerable women, including low-income women and women of color. You want to restrict access to family planning, and you want to restrict access to safe and legal abortions. Come on. It is time to stop this war on women.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Terrance Kelly for his extraordinary contributions to the music industry and to the faith community. Mr. Kelly is currently the Artistic Director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, where he leads over 100 rehearsals and 50 performances annually. Mr. Kelly graduated from the Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management. He went on to study at Holy Names University with a focus on Vocal Performance. Mr. Kelly began his career working with Jazz Camp West as Choir Director and Voice Teacher. During his time with Jazz Camp West, Mr. Kelly led the popular All Camp Gospel Choir, helping select the songs, instruct the band, and lead performances. His dedication to music also led Mr. Kelly to begin working with Imani Community Church, where he is currently Minister of Magnification. Mr. Kelly coordinates all musical presentations for the church, as well as leading many different choirs. He also facilitates the Imani Ya Watume liturgical dancers. Additionally, Mr. Kelly serves as Artistic Director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. He has composed and arranged music for the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, the Oakland Interfaith Youth Choir, and the Oakland Interfaith Community Choir. The incredible works of music he has worked on have inspired and moved audiences throughout the Bay Area, California, and the world. In his long career in music and faith, Mr. Kelly received many honors. Most recently, Mr. Kelly taught workshops about gospel music at the International Gospel Music Academy of Denmark. His musical talent has been recognized by many influential people, such as Tramaine Hawkins, MC Hammer, John Lee Hooker, and Former President Jimmy Carter. He has received an Emmy Award for his choral arrangement of PSA for KGO-TV, as well as 2 Gospel Academy Awards for Outstanding Director of the Year and Excellence in Choral Music. The San Francisco Opera had the opportunity to work with Mr. Kelly in their rendition of Moby Dick in 2012. Mr. Kelly has also mentored students of music, many of whom have gone on to attend schools such as the Berklee School of Music, Howard University, and Walt Disney's California Institute of the Arts. Throughout his prolific career, Mr. Kelly has impacted the lives of musicians and fans alike, throughout the Bay Area and the world. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, Mr. Terrance Kelly, I salute you. I thank you for a lifetime of service and congratulate you on your many achievements. I wish you success as you continue to serve the residents of the East Bay.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to three heroes of the Civil Rights Movement: Julian Bond, Amelia Boynton Robinson and Former Congressman Louis Stokes. My thoughts and prayers are with their families during this very difficult time. First let me thank Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., and Rep. Robin Kelly for organizing this Special Order and for their leadership in the Congressional Black Caucus. I have known Julian since the 1970s and most recently stood with him to remember the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam Peace Movement at the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial in Washington, DC. As a cofounder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Julian galvanized young people to fight against segregation, march in the Civil Rights movement, and better the lives of all Americans. Julian dedicated his career to public service. After his work with SNCC, he served in the Georgia Legislature and as president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). I know his legacy of tireless advocacy for equality and social justice will live on. It inspires me every day as we work to address inequality and reform our broken criminal justice system. I also rise to remember Amelia Boynton Robinson, a true hero of the Civil Rights Movement. Ms. Boynton Robinson was a trailblazer who championed civil rights and worked tirelessly for justice and equality. As one of the brave protestors at Selma, Amelia Boynton Robinson was brutally beaten in what would become known all around the world as ``Bloody Sunday.'' Ms. Boynton Robinson, along with her fellow protestors, drew nationwide attention to the plight of African Americans and led us to the Voting Rights Act. Last but not least, I want to commemorate the life of Former Congressman Louis Stokes. Congressman Stokes was a wonderful mentor to me as a member of Congressman Ron Dellums' staff and later as a Member of Congress. Congressman Stokes grew up in Cleveland public housing and his childhood informed the policies he championed. He was the first African American Congressman to represent Ohio, one of the Founders of the Congressional Black Caucus and also the first African American to win a seat on the Appropriations committee, a committee on which I now sit. Congressman Stokes spent his congressional career fighting for the poor and the voiceless; he is a true American Hero. Mr. Speaker, it is because of the tireless advocacy of these leaders that we saw an end to legal segregation, the enactment of the voting rights act, and the election of so many African Americans to Congress. It was a great honor to count myself among the lives they touched. May the work they started continue until all forms of inequality are addressed. And may their spirits soar as their memories live on in our hearts.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 50th anniversary of the University of California, Berkeley Public Service Center's ``Cal in the Capital'' internship program; long known as one of the premier internship programs in Washington D.C. Since 1965, this student-led organization has prepared 75 UC Berkeley students each year for once in a lifetime internship opportunities. Placement opportunities include: across all levels of government, the nonprofit sector, think tanks, and within our most advanced research institutions. In its 50th year, Cal in the Capital has afforded a total of 3,745 interns the platform to engage in 1,608,489 hours of service. Their dedication to public service and civic engagement is showcased through real world experiences and professional growth platforms. Through its offerings, Cal in the Capital has been providing leadership, service learning, and internship opportunities to the students of my alma mater, UC Berkeley. Their program has successfully demonstrated, for half a century, the benefits of combining world-class education with hands-on experience in the effort to prepare their students for a life of public service. Alumni of the program have gone on to serve in various capacities of public service. Some worked within presidential administrations, some went on to advocate for workers' rights, and some even became sitting Members of Congress. I too was once a Cal in the Capital intern for a great warrior, statesman and my predecessor, Congressman Ron Dellums. I remember my time as an intern fondly, and can tell you without hesitation that this program changed my life, as it has for so many others. Because of my experience with the program, I have always enjoyed having the privilege of hosting Cal in the Capital interns in my congressional office. The passion and dedication that these student leaders display toward serving their country, their communities, and those whose voices too often go unheard is an inspiration to all. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate University of California, Berkeley, for its Cal in the Capital program and salute its 50 years of service to our community. I thank the UC Public Service Center for providing its students with decades of public service opportunities while leading the nation in developing the next generation of leaders.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. First, I want to thank Congresswoman DeLauro for yielding and for her tremendous leadership on so many issues important to women and the entire country. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H. Con. Res. 79, which once again attempts to defund Planned Parenthood for 1 year. This callous action would leave millions of women across the country without access to critical healthcare services. This shameful resolution is the 15th anti women's health vote this year. We know that Planned Parenthood centers are essential to the health and well-being of women and their families. They serve as primary care facilities for women seeking birth control, comprehensive family planning services, and cancer and STI screenings. According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 21 percent of counties where Planned Parenthood operates health centers, it is the county's only family planning provider. Mr. Speaker, for these communities, there are no other options. Defunding Planned Parenthood would hurt the communities that need help the most: low-income women and women of color. Politicians have no business interfering with a woman's personal health decisions that are best for her and her family, and she needs family planning centers to exercise all of her options as it relates to her health care. This resolution is deceitful and it is wrong. It is past time to end this war on women, and it is past time for Republicans to listen to the American people, develop a responsible budget, and stop their attacks on women's health. Vote ``no'' on this very backward, egregious resolution. It is going to harm women. It is going to hurt women. It does not protect the health and safety of women.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. I want to thank the gentlewoman for yielding, but also for her tremendous leadership on this and so many issues. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3495, the so- called Women's Public Health and Safety Act. First of all, this bill does not keep women safe, and it certainly won't keep them healthy. Instead, it would prevent individuals or organizations that provide abortion services from treating women enrolled in Medicaid, and it would simply strip women of their fundamental right to choose their own healthcare provider. Congress already denies Federal Medicaid coverage of abortion, which is wrong, and that needs to be repealed. That is the Hyde amendment. We have got to repeal that. Now, excluding doctors from serving Medicaid patients is yet another attack on the rights of low-income women. When in the world are you going to stop? H.R. 3495 would deny more than 7 million women access to critical healthcare services, including contraceptive care, STI tests, lifesaving cancer screenings, and other primary care services; and it would hurt our most vulnerable communities, including low-income women and women of color. Madam Speaker, this bill is simply wrong. It is nothing more than a shameful attempt to restrict women's constitutional rights. Politicians should never interfere with women's personal healthcare decisions, period. Stay out of our lives. The Women's Public Health and Safety Act does just the opposite of what this bogus title says. It erodes the health and safety of women and continues the war on women. Today I am proud to stand with Planned Parenthood and the men, women, and children in our country. I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill that will severely hurt the health and safety of women.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Peter Van Kleef. Known by many in the Bay Area as the owner of Cafe Van Kleef, located on Telegraph Avenue in Oakland's Uptown neighborhood, Peter has left an undeniable mark on the city of Oakland as a trailblazer in the resurgence of Oakland's downtown area. With his passing on September 8, 2015, we honor his life's work and lasting legacy. The Van Kleef family immigrated to Oakland in 1956 from Rotterdam, Holland. A world traveler, Peter spent many years in countries such as France, Morocco, and Thailand. He also spent a few years teaching English in Japan. When he returned to California after his time overseas, Peter opened up the Rio Theatre in Rodeo, CA. He returned to Oakland in the early 2000's to open Cafe Van Kleef. This successful venture led many to call Peter a pioneer as he opened his cafe in Oakland's Uptown neighborhood despite many who doubted about the area's potential. Cafe Van Kleef has since become a captivating social hub in the downtown Oakland community. Peter was known by his patrons and friends as a man with a story to tell, as much of the artwork he displayed at his establishment came partnered with a riveting account of its journey to Cafe Van Kleef. His innovative and welcoming spirit led him to make rooted friendships in Oakland and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Peter was an adventurous spirit and pioneer businessman, but above all, he was a loving husband, brother and uncle. He is survived by his wife Cindy Reeves, his siblings Ron, Gerda, Marja, and Florence, and five nieces and nephews. Peter will forever be remembered as an Uptown Oakland trailblazer, an art enthusiast, a world traveler and a man with many beautiful experiences to share. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes the life of an outstanding individual and pioneer, Peter Van Kleef. His contributions have truly impacted the Oakland business community as well as the lives of his family, friends, and patrons. I join all of Mr. Van Kleef's loved ones in celebrating his incredible accomplishments and offer my most sincere condolences.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative Castor for her tremendous leadership. I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3134, which is nothing more than yet another ideological attack on women's health care. It would defund Planned Parenthood for a year, leaving millions of women across the country without access to critical healthcare services. Planned Parenthood centers often serve as a primary care health facility for women seeking birth control, cancer and STI screenings, and other critical preventive care. In 2013 alone, Planned Parenthood provided healthcare services to more than 800,000 Californians and provided more than 93,000 Pap tests and 97,000 breast exams. Denying access to the healthcare services such as Planned Parenthood provides will harm those who most need these services, including low- income women and women of color. This bill is shameful. It is disrespectful. It is wrong. Politicians shouldn't be interfering, anyway, in a woman's personal healthcare decisions. It is past time Republicans stop their war on women and stop these ideological attacks and stop using women's health care to divert attention from a looming government shutdown because Republicans refuse to pass a budget. Vote ``no'' on this deceptive and dishonest bill.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to welcome Pastor Brondon Reems to the House floor this morning after delivering such a powerful prayer. Pastor Reems is the senior pastor of the Center of Hope Community Church in Oakland, California, a church founded by his mother--a great woman of faith, who has broken so many glass ceilings for women, especially for African American women--Bishop Ernestine Reems. His wife, Pastor Maria, who is also here with us today, is his partner in ministry and has helped to grow the church into a vibrant and strong pillar of faith and community in the East Bay. Pastor Reems accepted his call to ministry at 10 years old, and he has flourished into a strong spiritual leader. From ministering youth in juvenile hall to assisting families coping with substance abuse and emotional disabilities, Pastor Reems serves the East Bay community with a genuine heart and compassion. He is the cofounder of the Oakland's Potters House for Young Men, a 24-hour residential care facility for young teens who have become wards of the State. I thank Pastor Reems for his spiritual leadership, his wisdom, and his service. He embodies and exemplifies a living faith. He is a wonderful pastor, a great mentor, and a committed and powerful civic leader.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Memorial Tabernacle Church, located in Oakland, California upon its 90th Anniversary as a strong religious pillar in the East Bay community. Memorial Tabernacle Church was founded in 1925 by Bishop Judge & Sarah King, a married couple from Louisiana. They moved to California in search of a better life, free from prejudice. The church was established in a two-story house on Seventh Street in West Oakland. Despite the area's reputation, Bishop Judge and Sarah preached in all areas of the community, including street corners and in front of bars. To accommodate their growing numbers, the congregation moved to a larger building in West Oakland. But in 1960, the United States Postal Service purchased several blocks of land and property on Seventh Street to build the main Post Office before finally moving to their current home in North Oakland. Following the passing of Bishop Judge in 1945, his son, Bishop Ulysses S. King was named senior pastor. Bishop Ulysses was active in the community. He was a member of the Center for Urban Black Studies, an affiliate center of the Graduate Theological Union. He later received an honorary Doctor of Divinity. In 1972, Bishop Ulysses took the message of salvation to the cities of Lagos and Uyo, Nigeria. In 1976, Bishop Ulysses helped establish an affiliate church in Uyo. Now under the leadership of Pastor Stephen King, Memorial Tabernacle Church has continued to thrive through its various ministries in the East Bay community. The church facilitates programs such as the Embracing Our Community, Health Ministry, and Community Garden Ministry. All of these programs are responsible for maintaining contact with the community and working to serve those in need. Memorial Tabernacle Church also hosts ministries for groups of all ages and areas of need. The Young People Ministry helps educate the young people about God's Word and how to better serve their community. The Music Ministry guides people in expressing praise, prayer, and gratitude to God via musical instruments, singing hymns, guest musicians and soloists. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Memorial Tabernacle Church on the special occasion of its 90th anniversary. I wish Memorial Tabernacle Church many more years of faithful and compassionate service.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of the East Bay Economic Development Alliance, also known as the East Bay EDA. On October 15, 2015, East Bay EDA will celebrate its many achievements and partnerships that have helped advance the economic vitality of the Bay Area's East Bay region. East Bay EDA is a cross-sector partnership guided by the expertise, resources, and passion of its public, private, and non-profit leaders, who are focused on regional, sustainable solutions to attract, retain, and grow businesses in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Founded in 1990 after a thoughtful and strategic process to create a collaborative approach to economic development opportunities and challenges, East Bay EDA continues today as a strong regional voice for strengthening the economy, building a qualified workforce, and enhancing the high quality of life in the East Bay. East Bay EDA's unique structure of cross-sector leadership, its development of region-specific research, its advocacy that benefits business growth and workforce development, and its efforts to champion employer-led engagement for education that leads to careers makes it an impactful organization for strategic business development. International, domestic, and regional businesses depend on East Bay EDA to provide access to business resources, access to investments and incentives, regional marketing, business-to-business connections, leadership introductions, and land use and infrastructure support to help businesses succeed and create quality jobs. East Bay EDA invests in sustainable strategies to build talented and local workforces to meet tomorrow's job opportunities that require strong STEM education foundations. On a personal note, I salute my friend and colleague, Chairman of the EDA, Supervisor Carson. His dedication to the residents of the East Bay is both commendable and inspirational. Furthermore, as a former entrepreneur, he understands the diverse needs of the business community, which helps to successfully execute the East Bay FDA's mission of making the East Bay a world-recognized location to grow businesses. He has been consistently re-elected as the Chairman for 22 years because of his passion and leadership for business development. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate East Bay EDA on 25 years of exemplary service as it continues to support the changes in the East Bay economy brought about by technology, environmental stewardship, and global challenges. I wish the East Bay EDA well as it seeks to make the East Bay the premier region for business opportunity, innovation, and the quality of life.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Let me thank our ranking member for yielding me time and also for your leadership on this vital global peace and national security issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H. Res. 412, the rule providing for consideration of three bills surrounding the nuclear agreement negotiated by this administration and the P5+1. Make no mistake, these bills are nothing more than yet another attempt to purposefully and deliberately thwart the Iran deal. Mr. Speaker, all of us have the same goal, to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Now, as one who has been involved in many nuclear nonproliferation efforts since the 1970s, I am convinced that this deal brings us much closer to a nuclear-weapons-free Iran. I believe that the President negotiated with our P5+1 partners--while not perfect, this deal achieves that goal. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action cuts off all pathways to a bomb and ensures robust oversight and inspection. It is the best way to promote regional security and global peace, and the majority of Americans agreed. According to a recent University of Maryland poll, 55 percent said that Congress should get behind this agreement. That is why we need to be clear on the ramifications of rejecting the deal. If the United States walks away, we will be walking away alone. As United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power stated in her recent Politico op-ed: ``If we walk away, there is no diplomatic door number two. No do over. No rewrite of the deal on the table.'' Rejecting the Iran deal will isolate the United States from our international partners and will not make us any safer, and it certainly won't result in a better deal with Iran. Instead, it would allow Iran to accelerate their weapons programs with no oversight, and it will significantly undermine our ability to engage with our partners on critical issues like addressing international terrorism. Simply put, rejecting this deal would isolate the United States and would put us back on the path to war.

Ms. LEE. The Scriptures do say let us study war no more, so that is why it is critical for us to support the President and our diplomats and give this deal a chance to succeed. This is a defining moment for our country and for the world. Let us continue to work for peace because the military option, that is always there. Let us work for a world worthy of our children and future generations. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this rule.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank Representative Connolly for yielding me time and, really, for your tremendous leadership on this very vital issue. Also, I must salute our Leader Pelosi for her unwavering support and hard work for global peace and security. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3461, a resolution to approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Now, in the last two Congresses, mind you, I introduced the Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons and Stop War Through Diplomacy Act, which called for the appointment of a high-level special envoy to address Iran's nuclear program and an end to the no-contact policy between our diplomats. Since the 1970s, quite frankly, I have worked on many nuclear nonproliferation issues and believe very strongly that the deal that President Obama and our P5+1 partners negotiated demonstrates how effective diplomacy can be. It will lead us closer to a world where our children and future generations can live without the fear of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. The JCPOA, supported by the majority of Americans and key international allies, including France, Germany, and Britain, though not perfect, it is the best way to prevent Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon. The Iran nuclear deal puts into place the most intrusive inspection system, including a 24/7 surveillance of Iran's enrichment facilities and reactors; it cuts off all of Iran's pathways to a nuclear weapon, and it will enhance regional and global security. United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power stated in her recent political op-ed: ``If we walk away, there is no diplomatic door No. 2, no do-over, no rewrite of the deal on the table.'' Rejecting the Iran deal will isolate the United States from our international partners. It will not make us any safer, and it certainly won't result in a better deal with Iran. Instead, it would allow Iran to accelerate its weapons programs with no oversight. That is unacceptable. We cannot afford the alternative to this deal. This is a defining moment for our country and for our world. Let us continue to work for peace. We all know that the military option is always there. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this resolution of approval.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of a truly remarkable man--former Congressman Louis B. Stokes, who passed away last month at the age of 90. It was my honor to meet with Congressman Stokes when I was a staffer in the office of Congressman Ron Dellums. I later had the honor to serve with him as a member of the House of Representatives as we worked to secure funding for homeless shelters in my district. Congressman Stokes was a trailblazer. Born in Cleveland in 1925, he loved his home city and his home state of Ohio. And he was determined to improve the lives of everyone in his community. After serving in the military, he returned home to become a civil rights attorney and work on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised. Raised in poverty along with his brother Carl, he dreamed of a more just and equal world. He refused to allow prejudice or adversity to slow him down. Through his life, Lou showed an unwavering commitment to the people of Cleveland, and particularly the vulnerable and voiceless. As the first African American member of Congress from Ohio--and an original cofounder of the Congressional Black Caucus and founding chair of the CBC's Health Brain Trust--Congressman Stokes was a proud voice for civil rights and equality. And as the first African American to serve on the House Appropriations committee--the committee on which I now serve-- Congressman Stokes worked tirelessly to bring resources and opportunities to folks struggling across the country. In many ways, Congressman Stokes was ahead of his time. He was one of the earliest and most vocal supporters of addressing the burgeoning HIV/AIDS crisis. As a veteran, he fought to ensure every veteran had the highest possible quality services and care upon returning home. And as the chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee on Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, he worked to ensure agency services reached communities of color. His work to combat discrimination in every form--housing, education, health care access, economic opportunity and more--continues to inspire me. While Congressman Stokes will be greatly missed, his legacy and work lives on. By opening doors of opportunity, and inspiring generations of leaders in Cleveland, Ohio and beyond, Congressman Lou Stokes has made our nation a more just and equal place. He was a great man and a good friend who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and my deepest gratitude for sharing this great human being with us.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary career of Dr. Jose Ortiz, Chancellor of Peralta Community College District. The Peralta District spans six cities within the East Bay and serves over 60,000 students. Dr. Ortiz has spent his career serving within institutions of higher education and in a variety of administrative positions. His career brought him to campuses in California, Maryland, and the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamon. His range of experience, both professionally and culturally, made him the ideal candidate to serve at Peralta, which is within my Congressional District; the most diverse Congressional district in the nation. Prior to serving as Chancellor, Dr. Ortiz served as Vice President to Laney College, which falls under the umbrella of the Peralta Community College system. While there he was known for his deep understanding and commitment to the many challenges facing the extremely diverse student body. Later, in 2005, Dr. Ortiz moved on to become President of Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California, where he served until 2012. Little did he know he would one day return home to Oakland and the Peralta system. Dr. Ortiz's appointment served as an opportunity for him to return home to foster his friendly relationships and spend more time with his family. His appointment came in the years following the Great Recession, at a time when community college districts across the nation were facing a multitude of challenges; Dr. Ortiz called upon his exemplary leadership abilities and relationship building with his colleagues to help lead the district through some of its most trying time. While serving as Chancellor, he emphasized delivering programs and services that enhanced the region's human, economic, environmental, and social development. Dr. Ortiz provided leadership and advocacy for the diverse students of the four colleges while promoting his mission of supporting student academic access and success. His demonstrated commitment to students serves as a fine example to others working toward providing high quality educational opportunities and services to the marginalized and underrepresented. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I salute Dr. Jose M Ortiz, for his outstanding service and passionate commitment to the Peralta Community College District. Dr. Ortiz has touched many lives throughout his career, and I wish him and his loved ones continued success and happiness.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Progressive Missionary Baptist Church located in Berkeley, California upon its 80th Anniversary as a strong religious pillar in the East Bay community. Progressive Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1935 by a group of 35 devout Christians. They sought to bring glory to God by engaging and empowering believers through fellowship, discipleship, worship and service. The church was built in the historic Lorin district of Berkeley. To accommodate its growing membership, the church was expanded in 1959 to include a library, nursery, and classrooms. The church added a new building in 1964 and named it the Stoval Center in honor of the late Pastor Edward Stovall. Dr. Earl C. Stuckey Sr. was elected senior pastor of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church in September 1977. Pastor Stuckey is active in both the faith and local communities. He served as an advisor on the Billy Graham Crusade, and was an active member of the Baptist Ministers Union as well as numerous other Christian organizations, including serving as a planning board member of the Mount Hermon Christian Conference; Publicity Chairman of the Evangelism Committee; former board member of the Bay Cities Bible Institute; and Christian Nationals Evangelism Commission. Through many outreach programs, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church has been able to better the lives of people in their community. The church facilitates programs such as the Bay Area Rescue Mission, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs, Crown Ministries Financial Seminars, Project Go Ye, and Celebrate Recovery. All of these programs have had a truly remarkable effect on the residents of the Bay Area. Progressive Missionary Baptist Church continues to host ministries for groups of all ages and areas of need. The Life Development Ministry provides young members a safe and caring atmosphere in which they can receive guidance and direction. The Home Builders Ministry works to strengthen the spiritual foundation for engaged and married couples; the Men's Fellowship Ministry challenges men to reach spiritual maturity and restore family connections; and, the Women's Fellowship Ministry seeks to enable each woman to discover and utilize her spiritual potential. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Progressive Missionary Baptist Church on the special occasion of its 80th anniversary. I wish Progressive Missionary Baptist Church many more years of faithful and compassionate service.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Mr. Mark Raymond Chandler. Known throughout the Bay Area as a tireless advocate for veterans, Mr. Chandler has left an undeniable mark on our community. With his passing on July 31, 2015, we look to honor the outstanding quality of his life's work. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on July 25, 1934, Mark Raymond Chandler, formerly Raymond Joseph Buczynski, set out to explore the world at a young age. Mark spent much of his youth in New York City as a theatre actor. At the age of sixteen, he joined the United States Navy and later served in the Korean War. Mr. Chandler also aided in the evacuation of American civilian and ``at risk'' Vietnamese from Saigon in the fall of Saigon. He traveled extensively across the world, and met his beloved wife Indiah while working in Indonesia. Later on in life, Mr. Chandler dedicated himself to serving as an advocate for disabled veterans, serving on the Veterans Affairs Commission, and working tirelessly to bring a VA Clinic to Alameda Point. Mr. Chandler was a soldier, an actor, and a journalist, but above all else, he was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Indiah, his siblings Marianne and Sonny, his chidren Kathy, Roger, Steven, and Brian, and his grandson Oliver. Mark will forever be remembered as a hopeless romantic, a lover of roses, and a man who, despite all of his travels and experiences, cherished nothing more than sharing a coffee and a bun with his grandson, who he loved more than life itself. Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes the life of an outstanding individual and leader. Mr. Chandler's contributions have truly impacted countless lives throughout the Bay Area. I join all of Mr. Chandler's loved ones in celebrating his incredible accomplishments and offer my most sincere condolences.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shiloh Church located in Oakland, California upon its 50th Anniversary as a strong religious pillar in the East Bay community. Shiloh Church was founded in 1965 by Dr. Violet Kiteley and her son, Dr. David Kiteley, in the living room of an African-American family. They sought to bring glory to God by engaging and empowering believers through fellowship, discipleship, worship and service. Since its founding, Shiloh Church has become a multi-ethnic congregation with members from over 40 nations. To accommodate its growing membership, the church underwent extensive remodeling of the facility to include a technology center and youth center. Shiloh Church also has affiliate ministries impacting hundreds of thousands of people in Canada, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Philippines, and Ethiopia throughout the world through its biblically-based training centers and church plants. Dr. Violet Kiteley, now in her 90's, has served in fulltime ministry for over 70 years. She has served as the President of Shiloh Bible College for over 35 years and was personally instrumental in training hundreds of leaders who are now pastors, elders, missionaries, and licensed ministers in churches across the world. Dr. David Kiteley followed in his mother's footsteps alongside his wife, Pastor Marilyn, and they have faithfully served the church full-time since 1970 as co-pastors. Dr. David has traveled extensively and held leadership conferences in over 45 countries. Dr. David's son, Pastor Patrick and his wife served as Senior Pastors from 2008 until 2015. Now, Dr. David's daughter, Pastor Melinda, and her husband, Pastor Javier Ramos, will serve as 4th senior leadership transition in the church's history that will carry on the spiritual heritage laid by the past generations. Shiloh Church has been able to better the lives of East Bay residents through its various outreach programs such as the Robert Allen Mercy House, which provides groceries and other resources to the unemployed, underemployed, and homeless. Since 1982, this program has disbursed over $1,000,000 of food each year to more than 15,000 families. On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I extend my sincerest congratulations to Shiloh Church on the special occasion of its 50th anniversary. I wish Shiloh Church many more years of faithful and compassionate service.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3009, the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act. The murder of Kathryn Steinle in San Francisco was a senseless tragedy. My heart continues to go out to her family and friends at this difficult time. As a nation, we cannot base complex policy decisions regarding the intersection of our federal immigration system and local law enforcement on a single tragic event. Sanctuary Cities exist because municipalities across the country recognized that they had to act to keep families together as Congressional Republican leadership refused to move forward on bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform. These are some of the most populous cities in the country--New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston--and the list goes on. Our local law enforcement agencies are not trained immigration agents, nor should they be. This conversation comes at a time in this country when many local law enforcement agencies are facing a crisis of trust with the communities they are sworn to protect and serve. To threaten their federal funding based on local decisions about how best to serve their communities, as H.R. 3009, would do, is not only misguided but dangerous. Instead, my colleagues should be working to pass bipartisan legislation to fix our broken immigration system and address these longstanding issues in a comprehensive and thoughtful way.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for roll call votes 467-482 due to congressional travel. Had I been present, I would have voted yes on #467, yes on #468, yes on #469, no on #470, no on #471, yes on #472, no on #473, no on #474, yes on #475, yes on #476, yes on #477, yes on #478, yes on #479, yes on #480, yes on #481, and no on #482.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Tatyana Kalinga, a senior and critical member of my staff. In the coming days, Tatyana will be leaving my office after 11 years to pursue the next steps in her career. Like many Congressional staff members, Tatyana started in my office as an intern and joined the team full-time in June of 2004. Since she started in the office, I have relied on her professionalism, judgement and superior work product as my executive assistant, scheduler and office manager. For the past 11 years, she has also served as my key liaison to the Congressional Black Caucus, which I had the privilege of chairing during the 111th Congress. During her years of dedicated service, Tatyana's most valuable skill has been her ability to step up and perform nearly any task, including assisting with media interviews, making policy recommendations and representing my office in high-level meetings, including with Heads of State. She has been and remains a consummate professional who is truly dedicated to her work and serving my constituents. In fact, Tatyana's work has been so exemplary in my office that she is often asked to train new staffers in the offices of my colleagues. On a personal note, I have witnessed Tatyana's growth and development from a young intern into a mature and brilliant young woman. She has a very promising future, which my staff and I look forward to witnessing. We all intend to keep Tatyana as a valued member of Team Lee within our hearts and in our deeds. On behalf of myself and the people of California's 13th Congressional district, I'd like to thank Tatyana for her years of dedicated service. Tatyana, we will miss you as you start this new chapter in your life but we wish you every success. We cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish!

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1599, which would nullify states' rights to label genetically modified organisms, commonly known as GMOs. The House will vote on this bill today. I share the concerns of many of my constituents in California's 13th Congressional District about the proliferation of untested, genetically modified foods entering our food supply. I also share the concerns about the risks to farmers, the environment, and public health created by the rushed commercialization of genetically engineered crops and genetically modified food products. American consumers deserve the best information available when it comes to food choices that they make for themselves and their families. Already, some 64 nations around the world require GMO labeling. We need to be on the side of transparency and the safety of the people we represent. That is why I support legislation like Representative Peter DeFazio's Genetically Engineered Food Right-to- Know Act, H.R. 913, which would require the labeling of genetically engineered foods at the Federal level. So I hope my colleagues will defeat H.R. 1599 and move forward with Federal efforts requiring adequate and clear labeling for the foods American families are eating.

Ms. LEE

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of four scientists, affiliated with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, who have been named by U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz as recipients of the 2015 Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award, the Department of Energy's highest scientific honor. The Department of Energy's Ernest Orlando Lawrence Awards were established by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1959, to honor Ernest Lawrence, the Nobel Prize-winning inventor of the cyclotron, the forerunner of today's particle accelerators, and the founder and namesake of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory--located in my very own 13th Congressional District of California. The four winners associated with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and their accomplishments are as follows: David Schlegel, an astrophysicist who serves as the Principal Investigator for the BOSS project on the Sloan Telescope, the Co- Principal Investigator for the DECals sky survey, and the Project Scientist for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). He was recognized for his ``exceptional leadership of major projects making the largest two-dimensional and three-dimensional maps of the universe, which have helped ascertain the nature of Dark Energy, test General Relativity, and positively impact fundamental understanding of matter and energy in the universe.'' Peidong Yang, a faculty chemist who holds joint appointments with Berkeley Lab's Materials Sciences Division, the University of California (UC) Berkeley, where he holds the S.K. and Angela Chan Distinguished Professor of Energy chair, and the Kavli Energy NanoSciences Institute (Kavli-ENSI), for which he is a co-director. He was recognized for his ``seminal research advancing the synthesis and understanding of nanoscale materials, including semiconductor nanowires and metal nanocrystals, and their impact to structures and devices for applications in nanophotonics, nanoelectronics, and energy conversion.'' Carolyn Bertozzi, also a faculty chemist with Berkeley Lab's Materials Sciences Division, a professor of chemistry and of chemical and systems biology at Stanford University, and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She was recognized for her ``significant scientific research contributions at the interface of chemistry, biology and nanoscience, including major advances in the chemistry and biology of complex carbohydrates, including the development of nanotechnologies and chemistries for probing biological systems, optimizing bioreactors, and innovating tailored devices and materials.'' Jizhong Zhou, a Presidential Professor in Botany and Microbiology and Director of the Institute for Environmental Genomics at the University of Oklahoma, a guest researcher with Berkeley Lab's Earth Sciences Division, and a principal investigator for ENIGMA (Ecosystems and Networks Integrated with Genes and Molecular Assemblies). He was recognized for his ``outstanding accomplishments in environmental genomics and microbial ecology, including the development of innovative metagenomics technologies for environmental sciences, for groundbreaking discoveries to understand the feedbacks, mechanisms, and fundamental principles of microbial systems in response to environmental change, and for transformative leadership to elucidate microbial ecological networks and to link microbial biodiversity with ecosystem functions.'' On behalf of the residents of California's 13th Congressional District, I salute you all. I thank you for your contributions to the scientific field and congratulate you on your many achievements in research.