Robert Matsui

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder).

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall) to conclude.

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton).

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall). (Mr. HALL of Ohio asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of this important legislation. First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall), the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton), and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf) for their tenacity and commitment in seeing this bill through. Each of them has helped keep the spotlight focused on the terrible toll this trade in conflict diamonds has had on the people of sub-Saharan Africa. Second, I want to express our appreciation to the administration and certainly to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) for working with all interested parties, including the ranking member, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), a member of the committee, to develop this bill. I know that the administration and the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) had reservations with the legislation; however, they took the time necessary to review those reservations and to develop a mutually acceptable response to this issue. As the gentleman from California has said, no one opposes this legislation at this time. The bill we are discussing, the Clean Diamond Trade Act, sends an important message of support to a continent which has seen far more than its fair share of pain and suffering. It reflects a strong commitment to the ongoing international dialogue that is aimed at dealing with this difficult problem. As with all compromises, this bill does not have everything the original sponsors would like to see in it. However, it is a significant step in the right direction. Passage of the Clean Diamond Trade Act will undercut a conflict diamond trade that has financed organizations that have killed several million people, driven millions from their homes, and committed countless human rights abuses. The violent conflicts spurred by these groups are an impediment to growth and development throughout sub- Saharan Africa. By stemming this illegal trade, we can remove a key barrier to progress and prosperity in these countries. Passage of this bill also will help our war against terrorism, as conflict diamonds have become increasingly part of the money laundering activities of the al Qaeda organization. Furthermore, if we pass this bill, we will preserve the dignity of an entire industry which can and should be a source of wealth for countries around the world. If we pass this bill, we promote legitimate diamond trade, allowing countries like Botswana to continue to benefit from the rich natural resource endowment. If we pass this bill, Mr. Speaker, we send a signal to the international community that we are engaged, that we take this issue seriously, and we hope an international agreement can be reached soon that will bring us one step closer to eradicating this blight. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Trade. (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time both sides have?

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to join with Congressman Clay Shaw, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security, to introduce legislation regarding the fees owed to attorneys who represent disability claimants before the Social Security Administration (SSA). Our Subcommittee has held a number of hearings on the attorney fee process and this bill would make several needed changes to this system that would improve the attorney payment system and thereby expand access to professional representation among disability claimants. Under current law, when an attorney successfully represents a Social Security disability claimant and that claimant is entitled to past-due benefits, SSA retains a portion of those past-due benefits in order to pay the attorney for the services he or she provided. Specifically, SSA withholds and pays directly to the attorney 25 percent of past-due benefits, not to exceed a cap of $4,000. (Under an alternative procedure, SSA approves a fee for which an attorney submits a petition detailing the specific charges, but in such cases the fee that is paid directly to the attorney by SSA out of past-due benefits cannot exceed the lesser of 25 percent of the past-due benefits or $4,000.) This system of direct-payment, which is only available to attorneys representing applicants for Social Security disability insurance benefits, helps to promote access to representation by assuring that attorneys receive payment for their services while protecting beneficiaries by capping allowed fees. Professional representatation is a valuable--and indeed vital-- service. The disability determination process is complex. Claimants without professional legal representation appear to be far less likely to receive the benefits to which they are entitled. For example, in 2000, 63.6 percent of claimants represented by an attorney, but only 40.1 percent of those without one, were awarded benefits at the hearing level. This legislation makes three important changes to the attorney-fee system: It raises the cap on the allowed fee to $5,200. Although SSA has regulatory authority to increase the $4,000 cap, it has failed to exercise this authority and delayed raising the cap for too long. This legislation would statutorily adjust the cap for inflation since 1991. It extends the direct-payment system to attorneys representing claimants for Supplemental Security Income. Without direct fee payment, SSI claimants are often unable to obtain needed legal representation, as there is no way for attorneys to be assured of payment for their services. Such claimants are often particularly in need of professional assistance, as they have no other sources of income to fall back on should their claim for disability be wrongly denied. It caps the processing fee deducted from the attorney's payment at $100. Since the adoption of the processing fee in the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-170), our Subcommittee has conducted two hearings on the long delays involved in paying attorney fees. We have had some success in speeding up payment, but there remains much room for improvement. It is only fair to cap the processing fee if SSA cannot assure timely payment of fees. Hopefully, this cap, in combination with the other provisions of the bill, will also mitigate the loss of experienced representatives from the disability bar, who have been forced to close their practices as a result of delays in fee payments and the imposition of the processing fee. In closing, I look forward to working with Chairman Shaw on this piece of legislation in the same bipartisan manner that characterized our successful efforts on the Work Incentives Improvement Act, the repeal of the retirement earnings test, and our ongoing efforts to protect the security and privacy of Social Security numbers. With this sort of collaboration, I am certain that we can pass this bill as well, thereby improving the fairness of the attorney-fee payment system and, more importantly, ensuring that disability claimants have qualified and reliable attorneys to whom they can turn for assistance.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Toko Fujii, one of Sacramento's most notable citizen leaders. Toko was regarded as one of the most well respected and positive figures in the Sacramento Japanese American community. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in saluting one of Sacramento's most outstanding citizens. Toko was born in Stockton, California on May 11, 1920. The eldest child of Kinji and Midori Fujii. As a youngster in Oakland, where his parents owned a billiard hall, Toko demonstrated his trademark independence at very early age. He would often stop by a neighborhood restaurant to purchase a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast before walking to school each morning. In 1927, Toko and his parents, along with younger sister, Chizue, moved to Sacramento, where he attended Lincoln School for his elementary and junior high years before attending Sacramento High School. While in high school, Toko was an active member of the Japanese Student Club, Math Honor Club, and the prestigious California Scholarship Federation. In his spare time, Toko was also involved in the Buddhist Church Youth Organization. It was in a high school French class that he first met Sayoko Akume, who eventually became his wife and had been for the last 58 years. When World War II broke out, Toko and Sayoko were sent to the Tule Lake Internment camp. During the internment, he kept busy by writing a column for the camp newspaper. Toko and Sayoko eventually left camp in the summer of 1943 and the young couple moved to Salt Lake City, where they were married on July 3, 1943. While majoring in Business Administration at the University of Utah, Toko displayed his innate talent for bringing people together when he organized a basketball team of Japanese Americans from the university. Upon graduation, Toko and Sayoko moved to Denver before returning to Sacramento. During these years, Toko further enhanced his ability to bring people together. Toko organized his first fundraiser to raise money for uniforms and traveling costs for the Japanese American All Star Basketball Team. Toko also played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Buddhist Church Basketball League and the Northern California Nisei Athletic Union. Before the integration of Little League Baseball, he played a major role in organizing the Northern California Church League, a Nisei baseball league. In his professional life, Toko first ran the Sun Hotel and shortly thereafter he became a real estate and insurance broker before he was recruited to manage the El Rancho Bowl in 1960. In 1964, Toko and his business partner, Kay Hamatani, started Victory Trophies, which he successfully operated until 1996. In addition to being a small business owner, Toko also contributed 27 years of outstanding service to the former Bank of Tokyo. In his personal life, Toko remained very active with various community causes. He served as the acting office manager for the Japanese American Citizen's League since the early 1990's. In early 1991, he spearheaded the project to exhibit the story of Japanese American's in the Greater Sacramento Valley. After the unexpected death of the project's organizer, Toko assumed full responsibility of the project and fulfilled the mission to introduce their story at the Sacramento History Museum for six months in 1992. Toko was also affectionately known as ``The Man'' in the local community when it comes to fund raising for special causes. Toko played a key role in securing $200,000 for the Sacramento Japanese American Citizens League's Endowment Fund in 1990. When the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation was organized in 1999, Toko stepped up to the plate and organized a local fund raising campaign that raised $120,000. He never forgot the importance of giving back to his community. Toko's tireless commitment to serving his community was truly an inspiration and example to his fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Toko Fujii's friends and family gather to celebrate and honor his legacy and many contributions, I am honored to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most well respected citizens. His successes are unparalleled, and it is great honor for me to have the opportunity to pay tribute to his accomplishments. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in celebrating the deeds of an extraordinary leader.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend and former colleague Eddie Boland. By his own choosing, he loyally served this body for 36 years with minimal national attention. And yet despite his best efforts to remain known only to his constituents and his colleagues, his name carries a familiar ring to a vast number of Americans. While it was his role as Chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence that brought him household recognition, Eddie Boland stood for more than the namesake amendments that helped set the stage for the Iran-contra affair. To his constituents, he was a friend, a steadfast supporter of civil rights and simply unbeatable when it came to the polls. To members of this body, he was an honest, sincere and dedicated man who came to Washington to serve his district and did it well. It has been over 13 years since Eddie Boland last graced the halls of Congress as a distinguished member of the House of Representatives, but the ideals that he quietly fought for during his tenure have not been lost. I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Mary and their four children.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere appreciation for the tremendous job that the Chairman of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee Representative Sonny Callahan and Ranking Member, Representative Peter Visclosky, and the conferees have done in preparing the FY 2001 Energy and Water Appropriations Conference Report. Congress is certainly no stranger to the constant public safety threat that potential floods pose to my constituents and I am most thankful for the continued support of this body in helping to greatly reduce these risks. Thanks to your efforts and the efforts of this Committee, Sacramento remains on track with providing improved flood protection. Sacramento's immediate flood risk consistently ranks highest among major metropolitan areas in this nation. A catastrophic flood in Sacramento would impact $40 billion of property, including the California State Capitol, six major hospitals, 26 nursing home facilities, over 100 schools, 3 major freeway systems, and approximately 160,000 homes or apartments. As Congress continues to determine the best long-term solution, I remain grateful that this year's conference report is consistent with capability estimates developed by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency. While this legislation provides continued funding for a number of crucial flood protection projects, I am particularly grateful for the inclusion of construction funds for the South Sacramento Streams Project. This ``new start'' is of vital importance as the 100,000 people and 41,000 structures that reside in this area are extremely susceptible to devastating floods. These funds will enable this area to eventually increase its woefully inadequate 50-year protection level to an acceptable 500-year protection level. Increasing Sacramento's mere 85-year level of protection is a daunting task, but the support of my colleagues to protect my constituents has been unwavering and strong. Time and again, the federal commitment has risen to the occasion. On behalf of my constituents, and myself I thank you for recognizing the grave danger that Sacramento faces and acting to alleviate those threats.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Russell J. ``Rusty'' Hammer as he ends his tenure as president and CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber. As his friends and family gather to celebrate Rusty's impressive tenure, I ask all of my colleagues to join with me in saluting this truly remarkable citizen of Sacramento. Rusty came to the Sacramento Metro Chamber in 1994 and after 7 years has transformed the chamber into an economically viable and influential organization. Today the Sacramento Metro Chamber is the largest and most diverse chamber in northern California, boasting a membership over 3,000. In addition, the Sacramento Metro Chamber is now represented in all six counties in the Sacramento region, a truly admirable feat. To my colleagues here in the House of Representatives, perhaps one of the most visible accomplishments of the Sacramento Metro Chamber is the annual Cap-to-Cap trip. Through this important program, over 200 business leaders from the Sacramento region come to Washington, DC, each spring to meet with leaders of the Federal Government to raise awareness of the region's most important issues. Since 1994, under the direction of Rusty and his colleagues in the chamber, the level of participation in Cap-to-Cap has nearly doubled. I feel that this is a true testament to Rusty's dedication and enthusiasm for the Sacramento region. In addition to the Cap-to-Cap trip, Rusty has also been the driving force behind numerous projects and events at the Sacramento Metro Chamber that have continued to propel the chamber to new heights. One in particular that deserves special recognition is ``Perspectives'', an annual speakers series hosted in Sacramento involving influential national and international leaders. Through Rusty's tireless efforts, this program has become one of the most important forums for discussions about the future and direction of the Sacramento region. While I was I was saddened as both a friend and a colleague to learn of Rusty's departure to become president of the Los Angeles Metro Chamber, I fully believe that Sacramento's loss is Los Angeles's gain. Rusty's commitment to serving his community is a genuine inspiration and example to his fellow citizens and will be a wonderful addition to the Los Angeles region. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. Rusty Hammer's friends and family gather to reflect on his time with the Sacramento Metro Chamber, I am privileged to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most honorable citizens. His successes are unparalleled, and it is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to recognize his many contributions to Sacramento. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in wishing my friend Rusty continued success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, we are using Social Security money, payroll tax money that people think is going to be going into a trust fund for their retirement to pay essentially 13 corporations about $10 billion. There is no way to deny that. The gentleman who just spoke 2 years ago voted for the lockbox that was supposed to preserve that money and put that money aside to protect Social Security. How can the gentleman now deny his own vote?

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), the ranking member. The gentleman from California, the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, protests too much. Obviously, what he does not seem to understand, and this is what the real problem is, is the economy and why we are now suffering a recession. The reason we are having this problem now is because consumer demand is not there. Obviously, what was going on and what happened after September 11 and since, is there has been a drop in confidence in terms of purchasing in this country. So what we want to do is we want to put money in individuals' pockets so that they will then begin to have more confidence in the economy, spend money, and that will then result in more capital investment by companies, because all of a sudden they will want to make products in order to have it available to the people that are going to be spending money. So the Democratic alternative, which we will be explaining shortly, will provide for that. It will put money in individuals' pockets so they can spend it, particularly during the holiday season, when about 25 percent of all retail sales occur. But what the gentleman from California, the chairman of the committee, wants to do is basically give it to corporations, mainly because they want to pay off those people that have been wonderful contributors to them. I just point to this chart here. Fifteen companies in the first year will get $25 billion of this tax cut. The gentleman talked about individuals getting $14 billion over 10 years. That is just a one-shot deal. A one-shot deal. The reality is this is a permanent tax cut. And what it does, which is so surprising, it eliminates the alternative minimum tax. And then what it does, it retroactively repeals it to 1986, 15 years ago. And that is why these companies will get $25 billion. I have to tell my colleagues that what is so outrageous about this is this is Social Security money. This is what the corner grocery store owner, this is what perhaps many of the Members' mothers and fathers and grandparents pay in the form of payroll taxes. They think this money is going into the Social Security Trust Fund to protect their retirement benefits. Unfortunately, it is being used for another purpose. It is being used basically for these tax cuts to these major companies and major corporations. I know that my colleagues think that, well, we are in the middle of an anthrax scare, we have obviously a war going on in Afghanistan, nobody is going to pay any attention. That is why the gentleman perhaps thinks they will get away with this. They may get away with it for a while; but the reality is the American public will find out about this, because this will have nothing to do with stimulating the economy. In fact, it will set us back, because this is not even paid for; and it will result in an increase in long-term interest rates. Sometime around June of next year we are going to be talking about this vote and this issue. So the reality is that this is taking Social Security payroll tax money to pay for those major big corporate tax cuts. I have never seen, in my 23 years in this institution, such an outrageous piece of legislation as I see in this. Vote ``no'' on this bill and vote for the substitute.

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I find it astonishing. Perhaps Members think we will not be hearing about this because of the anthrax scare. The reality is Americans are going to find out about this. This is so outrageous the American public will find out about this.

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I am astonished in hearing all this because here we are going to give $8 billion to about 13 corporations, if Members include Ford, which will get $2.3 billion. This is Social Security money. This is payroll tax money that the average American has contributed thinking it is going to go for retirement benefits. We are going to take that payroll tax money and give it to corporations? Is that my understanding of what the gentleman's analysis is?

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring the late Julian C. Dixon. I had the distinct pleasure of coming to Congress with Mr. Dixon in 1978 and it is with a heavy heart that I pay tribute to him today as a cosponsor of H.R. 2454 to redesignate the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 5422 Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles, California as the Julian C. Dixon Post Office Building. With only four Democrats in that year's freshman class, Mr. Dixon and I became fast friends and close confidants. From the start, I greatly admired his political sophistication and extraordinary sensitivity. His reliably liberal voice served as a consistent champion for minorities, but was decidedly silent during partisan wrangling. For this and many other reasons, Mr. Dixon was held by the California delegation as the moral compass of our State. This body has lost a distinguished gentleman, but will forever be richer in his memory.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the California Task Force 7, Sacramento Urban Search and Rescue Unit. On September 11, 2001, just hours after the murderous attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, sixty-four members of the Sacramento Urban Search and Rescue Team departed for New York City to assist with the recovery efforts. As their family and friends gather to welcome them home, I ask all my colleagues to join with me in saluting one of America's finest search and rescue teams. The California Task Force 7, Sacramento Urban Search and Rescue Team, is comprised of members from Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, Sacramento Fire Department, West Sacramento Fire, and El Dorado County Fire Protection District. The Sacramento Urban Search and Rescue Unit is considered a multi- hazard discipline, as it may be needed for a variety of emergencies or disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, storms, tornadoes, floods, dam failures, technological accidents, terrorist activities, and hazardous material releases. The California Task Force 7 has always been a leader in supporting rescue efforts throughout the United States. The Unit was one of the first Urban Search and Rescue teams mobilized after the Oklahoma City bombing, arriving thirteen hours after the blast. The Unit also played an instrumental role in the rescue and relief efforts in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bombing, the 1996 Yosemite Rock Slide, and the 1996/ 1997 California Floods. The Sacramento Search and Rescue Unit is comprised of sixty-four highly qualified and dedicated specialists divided into four groups: Search, Rescue, Technical, and Medical. Team members include specialists in structural engineering, hazardous materials, heavy rigging, search and rescue, canine response, logistics, and medical response, which includes four medical specialists and two physicians. By design, there are two personnel assigned to each position for the rotation and relief. This allows for round-the-clock task force operations. A comprehensive equipment cache totaling 60,000 pounds supports the task force. For ten days, the members of the California Task Force 7 worked tirelessly and selflessly in search of survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Center towers in New York City. These outstanding search and rescue specialists courageously answered our nation's call for their assistance and compassion during this hour of need. Their bravery, valor, and patriotism in the face of such tragic events is inspiring to all Sacramentans and to all Americans, and deserves our most heartfelt gratitude. Mr. Speaker, as the exceptional people of the Sacramento Urban Search and Rescue Unit return home, we are honored to pay tribute to some of our area's most heroic and dedicated citizens. The California Task Force 7 serves as an invaluable resource to the Sacramento Region, the State of California, and the United States of America. We ask all of our colleagues to join us in thanking the men and women of the Sacramento Urban Search and Rescue Unit for their fearless dedication and service to our country during this national tragedy.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in honor of Children's Vision Awareness Day. Vision Services Plan, which is headquartered in Sacramento, California, has joined forces with several non-profit organizations to develop the Sight for Students program. This charitable program is designed specifically to help children in need of vital eyecare services. I ask my colleagues to join me in support of Vision Services Plan and their tireless work and determination to bring proper vision care to our nation's underprivileged children. Whereas, our children represent the future of this great nation and deserve every opportunity to succeed in the classroom, at play and life in general; Whereas according to the United States Center for Health Statistics, only 14 percent of children in the United States under the age of 6 receive an eye exam; Whereas vision problems affect one in four school-age children, according to Prevent Blindness America; Whereas untreated eye problems can affect leaming ability, adjustment in school, athletic ability and self-esteem; Whereas Vision Services Plan which has their headquarters in Sacramento, California has a Sight for Student's Program to help low- income, uninsured children obtain the proper vision care that they so greatly need; Whereas the Sight for Students program covers the cost of an eye examination and glasses or medically necessary contact lenses as well as vision therapy and treatment. Whereas numerous community agencies, such as America's Promise, Prevent Blindness America, Head Start, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Communities in School, have joined forces with Vision Services Plan to address this issue; Whereas these many partners have come together to hold vision awareness events across the country on September 26, 2001, National Children's Vision Awareness Day. Since 1997 Vision Services Plan and the Sight for Students program have provided free eye exams and eyewear to nearly 90,000 children across the nation who would not otherwise have access to these services. I applaud their efforts and I am proud to lend my support to this program.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in complete unity with my colleagues in this great body to condemn the most horrific acts of terrorism in our world's history. Our country mourns together today for the victims of yesterday's brutal, cowardly attacks and our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones. We commend and thank the heroic efforts of the thousands of rescue workers who at this hour search tirelessly for the victims and survivors of this national tragedy. Make no mistake, what happened yesterday in New York City and our nation's capitol was a deliberate Act of War against the United States of America and as assault upon the freedoms of people worldwide. When the hijackers steered our civilian airliners into the World Trade Center and the Department of Defense, they not only targeted America's financial and military centers, they attacked our culture, liberties, and way of life. Since our founding, America has served as a symbol of freedom and stands today as the world's greatest, most enduring democracy. While our democratic principles may make us a target for those fearful of freedom, they also bond and unite us in the face of adversity. This tragedy will only make our great nation stronger in rebuilding from the rubble. There shall be no doubt that justice will find all of the cowardly murderers who are in any way responsible or connected with these atrocious acts. This Congress and this government will work with relentless resolve to bring the full resources of these United States and her allies to bear upon the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. They will be brought to justice. I look forward to working in steadfast dedication with my colleagues and with the President in avenging these unspeakable acts. May God bless America.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to Jean Runyon, the founder of Runyon Saltzman and Einhorn, Inc., one of the region's largest full-service advertising, public relations, public affairs and social marketing firms. Jean is the recipient of The Salvation Army's ``Partners In Community Service'' Award. As her friends and family gather to celebrate Jean's wonderful achievement, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting one of Sacramento's most talented citizen leaders. Jean first arrived in Sacramento in 1955 from her hometown of Berkeley, California where she enjoyed a hobby career as a stage actress. She devoted her time and energy to the Music Circus, planning theater parties. During her first year as the group's public relations chief, Jean helped Music Circus realize its first annual profit. As news spread of her outstanding talent for publicizing events, business owners approached her for advice on their own public relations projects. In 1956, she founded Runyon and Associates. Focusing on a variety of advertising and public relations campaigns. Jean quickly and rightfully earned a reputation for delivering results. Within a few years, Jean became the first woman to be named ``PR Man of the Year'' by the Sacramento Public Relations Roundtable. Today, Runyon Saltzman & Einhorn is one of Sacramento's top advertising agencies and is widely recognized for its creative work. In the early 90s, the agency branched into social marketing campaigns having put their efforts to work on behalf of a variety of environmental and public health issues. These campaigns communicated the importance of preserving clean air, avoiding tobacco, preventing teen pregnancy, stopping elder abuse and obtaining health insurance for children. The investment in this field paid off with proven results, as evidenced by national, regional and local industry recognition. A number of nonprofit and community organizations have continued to recognize Jean for her tireless support and humanitarianism over the years. She has served on almost every major board in Sacramento, in addition to being the first female member of the Sutter Hospital Board of Trustees and the prestigious Downtown Rotary. Recently, she was honored with the naming of the Jean Runyon Little Theatre, celebrating that love for the performing arts, which later launched her career as a Sacramento public relations executive. She has never forgotten the importance of donating time to her community. She has worked with dozens of charities and community nonprofit organizations, from such cultural institutions as the Crocker Art Museum, to groups like Make-A-Wish Foundation that help children, to organizations like The Salvation Army that help everyone. Jean's commitment to serving her community is truly an inspiration and example to her fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, as Ms. Jean Runyon's friends and family gather for the award ceremony, I am honored to pay tribute to one of Sacramento's most honorable citizens. Her successes are unparalleled, and it is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to pay tribute to her contributions. I ask all my colleagues to join with me in wishing my dear, dear friend Jean continued success in all her future endeavors.

Mr. MATSUI

Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to California's Senior Supreme Court Justice, the late Stanley Mosk. For the past 37 years, Mosk served as the court's independent voice and moral compass. His trailblazing decisions brought sweeping changes to California law long before such decisions were addressed at the national level. A vigorous advocate of individual liberties, Mosk lead state courts across the country to use their own constitutions to establish individual rights beyond those required under the federal constitution. In 1976, Mosk wrote the opinion that bars the use of improperly obtained confessions arguing that such confessions could not be used to challenge the truthfulness of a defendant who later testifies. While the U.S. Supreme Court allowed for such use, Mosk invoked the state Constitution and did not approve the practice. His always careful, thoughtful and considerate opinions, totaling 1,688 over the span of his career, were widely regarded and highly acclaimed. Mosk, the longest-serving member in the court's 151-year history and only Democrat, was known for his shrewd political acumen and often criticized by his adversaries for his focused attention of the states shifting political climate. Nevertheless, Mosk remained dedicated to his role as a public servant and vigilant in his undertaking of civil and criminal law. A native of San Antonio, Mosk's career as a giant in the court began by serving 15 years on the Superior Court and six years as the State Attorney General. For a time, he served as the Democratic national committeeman from California but became weary of the fundraising component attached to political life and returned to the judicial branch as a member of the state Supreme Court. While Mosk's independent liberal voice will be missed, the legacy that he has left will continue to serve the people of California.