Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I will just say this. I grew up in the Central Valley. My father was a farmer. So I understand clearly the challenges the farming community has. I am not an individual who dismisses the farming community. I lived on a farm. My father was a small farmer. My grandfather was a farmer. My uncle was a farmer. So I understand these challenges. I also understand we are together in California, and we must work together, and we should be using this time to find real solutions to California's water issues, including the drought. Unfortunately, we seem to be playing partisan games. My amendment would simply protect water rights in northern California. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 3964 that would preserve senior water right holders in northern California. This bill grossly oversimplifies the issue of California water, and it tries to solve the problem by causing more harm to California's water system than good. As I mentioned during our debates about California water, we should not jeopardize the health of one part of the State for another. In northern California, we have balanced our watershed between the urban areas, agriculture, the environment. We have been good stewards and care deeply about how our watershed is preserved and grows. This legislation would take the problems of one part of the State and export them to the other. We cannot have a lasting solution to our water problems until we work on a comprehensive solution that includes all of the stakeholders. Specifically, this bill attempts to dissolve the responsibility for 800,000 acre-feet of water for the delta environment. That doesn't solve California's water problems. It only exacerbates them. We all know that the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta needs to be restored, not driven into further decline. The delta is a hub of California's water system. California needs it to be healthy. My amendment to H.R. 3964 seeks to amend the language regarding the elimination of water for the delta environment. The amendment also preserves senior water rights in northern California. The underlying legislation only creates discord at a time when we need alliances. We can and must do better for California as a whole. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining?

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. I wish to thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 3964. California is currently experiencing a record drought. Up until just last Thursday, it had been 54 days without rain in my district of Sacramento. That is almost 2 months. To put this in context, Sacramento is experiencing a 130-year record for low rainfall, a record that dates back to 1884. With 2013 being the driest year on record since the Gold Rush, and 2014 being the third year of a drought cycle, we are being pushed to make do with less water than ever before. A statewide drought emergency has been declared, and my district of Sacramento is doing its part by instituting a mandatory reduction in water use. My constituents are required by law now to reduce their water use 20 to 30 percent. Fines for multiple offenders will reach $1,000. Moreover, in the Sacramento region, the Folsom Reservoir is at dangerously low levels and is currently only at 17 percent of capacity. Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet to solving California's water issues. The issue of water in California has been debated for so many decades because it is such a critical issue for the State. As a daughter of a Central Valley farmer who grew up on a farm, I deeply understand the value of and the controversy over water. In northern California, we have done our best to balance our watershed to provide water for our farms, cities, and habitat. To say this bill will help the drought is grossly misleading and, frankly, irresponsible. Mr. Speaker, even if we pumped as much water south as possible, it still wouldn't be enough. The problem is a lack of rain. There is simply no more water to pump from the Delta. Mr. Speaker, instead of working together, this bill only further divides our State. My district, the city of Sacramento, the Sacramento region, and northern California as a whole, strongly oppose this bill. Some of the concerns include the loss of the State's right to manage its own water, the decimation of environmental protections for our Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the ability to manage Folsom Reservoir for the benefit of the Sacramento metropolitan area and, most importantly, the overall instability that this bill would create in California. We cannot afford to give up California's right to control its own water future. The stakes are much too high. I urge my colleagues to strongly oppose this legislation.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Muriel Johnson, an unparalleled leader and a prominent member of our community, as she celebrates her 80th birthday. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this great civic-minded woman whose vision and commitment to both public service and the arts has contributed so much to the Sacramento region. A Sacramento resident since 1962, Muriel has dedicated her life to public service and civic involvement. She served several terms on the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, was elected President of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and served on the CSAC Board of Directors for twelve years. She also served as Chair of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and was the Governor's appointee to the Capitol Area Committee for eleven years. Additionally Muriel served on the Sacramento Public Library Authority, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, Cable Commission, Sacramento Regional Sanitation District, Sacramento Regional Transit, and the Sacramento Air Quality Management District. An ardent advocate for women leaders, Muriel served as President for the California Elected Women's Association for Education and Research, now known as California Women Lead, working to increase appointments of women to state boards and commissions. As a steadfast leader in our community, Muriel has championed local causes and organizations, raising funds for charities and holding various leadership positions, including President of the Crocker Art Museum and of the Sacramento Junior League. Muriel was appointed Director of the California Arts Council by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005 and during her six year tenure, she promoted awareness of and public participation in the arts, while strengthening outreach and education efforts. A consistent supporter of investing in local arts, Muriel championed Sacramento County's Art in Public Places which expands the presence of art in public spaces. In 2004 she was named the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's ``Sacramentan of the Year'' honoring her decades of dedication to our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the great life of my friend and mentor, Muriel Johnson, as she celebrates her 80th birthday with her husband Ernest, her children, grandchildren, friends and family in Sacramento. Her work has made a lasting impact on our community.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Larry Horton, Senior Associate Vice President and Director of Government and Community Relations at Stanford University, as he celebrates his retirement from a long and distinguished career. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this individual who has contributed so much to Stanford University. Mr. Horton joined Stanford University in 1970, and has served in a number of positions including Assistant and Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Associate Director of Government Relations, and Associate Vice President for Public Affairs. In addition, from 1976 to 1977, he participated in the President's Executive Exchange Program in Washington, where he served as an assistant to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. His achievements at Stanford include the 2000 Community Plan/General Use Permit, the Mayfield Development Agreement and the conclusion of the Trails Agreement with Santa Clara County. A true Cardinal, Mr. Horton earned both his B.A. in political science, and his M.A. in history, from Stanford. Following graduation, he served our country in the U.S. Army, with two years in Western Europe during the Vietnam War era. Through his years at Stanford, he has seen history unfold on the campus, and helped to shape Stanford's policies in areas vital to the University's success, including housing for women and minorities, federal patent legislation, federal research- funding policy, federal immigration and national security issues, and significantly, land use issues. At Stanford's 2013 commencement, Mr. Horton was honored with the Kenneth M. Cuthbertson Award For Exceptional Service to Stanford University. This award was truly deserved, and Mr. Horton will leave Stanford University for the better from his 54 years of service to the school. Following his retirement, Larry will certainly maintain a busy schedule pursuing his passions of opera and theater, golf, travel, and enjoying a good book. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the numerous contributions made by Mr. Larry Horton during his tenure at Stanford University. As Mr. Horton, family, friends, and colleagues celebrate his retirement, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking and recognizing him for his many years of service.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Safe Climate Caucus to highlight the 100th legislative day that my colleagues and I have come to the House floor and called for action on climate change. Since we started this effort, California has been rocked by devastating wildfires, the Midwest has been damaged by tornadoes, an early-season blizzard has wiped out livestock in the Dakotas, and deadly floods have destroyed parts of Colorado. Extreme weather events caused by climate change continue to affect families and businesses across this country. These are not random occurrences, but constant reminders that climate change is real. We will continue to make our voices heard on the House floor until everyone comes to the table, effective action is taken, and future generations are protected.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, as a member of SEEC, the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, I rise today to recognize the 1-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. Today, we remember those who lost their lives during this catastrophe and salute those who continue the rebuilding efforts. One year ago, Sandy ravaged the east coast, producing devastating floods and widespread power outages, disrupting cellular phone networks and transit systems. As a whole, the region suffered over $65 billion in economic losses. Families lost their homes, their precious mementos, and reminders of their daily lives. Communities lost their businesses. Tragically, some individuals lost their lives. While the east coast was the primary victim of Sandy, extreme weather knows no boundaries and other communities around the country are not immune from suffering the same fate. Floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and droughts are becoming all too common, all too intense, and all too costly. These events will continue to wreak economic havoc and uproot families, unless we take meaningful action to address climate change. In California, climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme heat and prolonged drought, placing millions of Californians at greater risk of public health threats such as heat-related sickness, forest fires, and water scarcity. At home, my constituents live under the constant threat of flooding, which is why I work relentlessly to strengthen our levees and upgrade our infrastructure. If extreme weather caused a levee to be breached in Sacramento, the damage would be similar to that experienced in New Orleans. Mr. Speaker, events like Sandy can happen anywhere. They don't just threaten the coasts, but all communities in all States. Events like Sandy can happen at any time--and are happening with alarming frequency. This was not an isolated event that happens every decade. We cannot continue to sit back and wait for the next disaster to happen before we take action. The time to act is not a year from now, not a month from now, not even a day from now. The time to act is today. We must implement preventative measures to make our communities more resilient and be proactive in addressing climate change, the root cause of extreme weather events. Only then will we be able to safeguard the country from the destructive effects of extreme weather and ensure that the legacy of Sandy is one of action and not despair and procrastination.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise in honor of Henry Teichert, who recently passed away in Sacramento at the age of 96. As his family, friends, and the entire Sacramento community gather to celebrate his life and legacy, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Teichert. Henry Teichert was born on September 6, 1917 in Sacramento to Augusta and Adolph Teichert Jr. He was married to Wendy Downey for 56 years until her passing in 2003. Together they had five children, Frederick, Jonathan, Isaiah, Rose and Wendy-Marie, 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Mr. Teichert graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1939, where he earned a degree in English and proudly served our country as an intelligence officer in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war he earned his law degree from Boalt Hall Law School and returned to his hometown of Sacramento where with several other attorneys, formed one of the first group law practices in the region, which later became McDonough Holland & Allen. Mr. Teichert's law career ended when he took over the family construction business, A. Teichert and Son, when his father passed away in 1953. A. Teichert and Son, now Teichert, Inc., has been serving the Sacramento region for over one hundred and twenty-five years and holds the oldest active contractor's license in the state, No. 8. Mr. Teichert served as the corporation's president and chairman of the board for thirty-five years. He had the business acumen to turn Teichert from a company to a corporation which includes Teichert Construction, Teichert Materials, StoneBridge Properties, and the Teichert Foundation. Together, these companies are leaders in the fields of construction, aggregate production, and real estate development, while also being one of the most charitable organizations in Sacramento. Beyond being a stellar businessman and committed father, Mr. Teichert was a civic minded individual. He belonged to many social organizations, including the Sacramento Rotary Club for over fifty years, the Sutter Club and he was an active member of Sacramento's Trinity Cathedral. He was a founding board member of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. In 1968, Mr. Teichert helped establish the Sacramento Chapter of the National Urban League with the goal of improving job and education opportunities for Sacramento's African American community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in paying honor to Henry Teichert for being an exemplary member of the Sacramento Community. I ask that we all take a moment and give our utmost respect and condolences to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His life and commitment to Sacramento are an inspiration to us all.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan WRRDA bill. I want to commend Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member Rahall, along with Chairman Gibbs and Ranking Member Bishop. I would also like to thank Senator Boxer for leading the Senate in passing its WRRDA bill earlier this year. Mr. Speaker, my district of Sacramento is the most at-risk metropolitan area for major flooding, as it lies at the confluence of two great rivers: the American and the Sacramento. We have a lot at risk. We waited too long for this bill, and we need Congress to act. Since the last WRRDA in 2007, a number of key flood protection investments have been carefully studied by the Army Corps of Engineers. One such project that has been thoroughly studied by the Corps of Engineers and holds a Chief's Report is the Natomas Levee Improvement Project. Levee deficiencies were found in the area in 2008, and it was remapped by FEMA in 2008. The Corps of Engineers put the level of protection at 1 in 33 years, a third of the national standard. Since then, costly flood insurance has become mandatory. The area to be protected by the project is home to over 100,000 people, two interstate highways, and an international airport. It is heavily urbanized, and home to dozens of schools and hundreds of small businesses. If a levee broke, the damage would be similar to that experienced in New Orleans. To fully underscore the importance of this project, my constituents have voluntarily voted twice to pay their local share. Despite the significant local investment, work remains uncompleted. The project needs congressional authorization. Mr. Speaker, we must pass this bill. We must establish a conference committee with the Senate, and we must work to ensure WRRDA becomes law this year. It is too important for our Nation, and I look forward to working in a bipartisan way to ensure that.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paratransit, Inc. as they celebrate their 35th anniversary. As staff, passengers, and supporters of this vital transportation lifeline gather to celebrate, I ask all my colleagues to join me in recognizing them for their invaluable service to the Sacramento region. For the past thirty-five years, Paratransit has served countless individuals with disabilities and the elderly by offering door-to-door transportation services, allowing them the mobility to lead quality lives. Since its inception in 1978, Paratransit, a private nonprofit corporation, has been innovative in providing a public transportation system with fully accessible options, as well as working with other local non-profit agencies, assisting them in delivering much needed client-focused transportation. In 1981, Paratransit became the first designated Consolidated Transportation Services Agencies in the State of California. In 1992 with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) and Paratransit partnered to implement the law in the most effective and efficient method to provide service to those with disabilities. That same year, the Community Transportation Association of America named Paratransit, Inc. as Transit System of the Year. Paratransit's diverse services include a mobility training program that provides assistance to people to learn how to ride RT's buses and light rail cars, giving them independence to work, visit senior centers, go shopping or to doctor appointments, and visit friends and relatives. In 2012, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments honored Paratransit as the Regional Organization of the Year. Their successful Wheels to Work employment program, partners with Women's Empowerment, The Sacramento County Department of Human Services, The Sacramento Housing Alliance, Sacramento Steps Forward, and The California Department of Rehabilitation to help people get employment by providing low-income individuals with job counseling, interview preparation and other services. Also in 2012, Paratransit received the Innovative Transportation Program from the Women's Transportation Seminar for their forward thinking efforts. Paratransit's maintenance division services its fleet of 150 vehicles, as well as the fleets of 20 other agencies, to ensure safe and reliable public transportation options. It also repairs accessibility equipment, such as lifts and ramps, and adapts vehicles for disabled drivers. As the 2002 United States EPA Energy Star Small Business award winner, Paratransit is committed to clean energy and a sustainable environment. Its Sacramento facility contains a storm water retention system. They have an expansive recycling program for all waste coolant, motor oil, transmission fluid, batteries, metals and tires. Committed to improving air quality, Paratransit joined with Hybrid Technologies in 2007 to produce the world's first full lithium-powered PT Cruisers. Mr. Speaker, I hereby recognize and commend Paratransit for their outstanding commitment and service to our community. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing this fine organization continued success and support as they work to provide seamless transportation options and other important services for everyone in the Sacramento Region.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of twenty years of service to our communities from the AmeriCorps program. I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating with AmeriCorps members past and present the many lives changed and neighborhoods improved through the immensely important work of the AmeriCorps volunteers. Twenty years ago, on September 21, President Clinton signed into law the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. This legislation created the Corporation for National and Community Service, and under it the three CNCS administered programs: Senior Corps, Learn and Serve America, and AmeriCorps. I was fortunate enough to be at the White House for the inception of AmeriCorps, and am thankful for this opportunity to celebrate its achievements over the last twenty years. Since 1993, more than 800,000 AmeriCorps members have contributed more than 1 billion hours in service across the country. In my hometown of Sacramento, we currently have 144 full time AmeriCorps volunteers who serve Sacramento in a multitude of ways. AmeriCorps volunteers serve in our schools and in the aftermath of disasters. I would like to thank all of our local AmeriCorps volunteers for their continued commitment to improving our community--one neighborhood at a time. In recent years, we as a country have faced natural disasters from Hurricane Sandy to the tornadoes in Oklahoma. Through these moments, the American people have responded with a spirit of service and ingenuity. We must keep investing in service and volunteer programs, to help to prepare us to handle unforeseen crises. Furthermore, community service is a proven pathway to employment. As communities recover from the recent recession, the skills learned and networks created through service have helped many Americans return to full time employment. AmeriCorps has consistently leveraged a small amount of federal dollars to provide lasting impact on areas of the country that need it most. Mr. Speaker, again I thank the members and alumni of the AmeriCorps Program for their tremendous service to our country. This twenty years marks a successful milestone for the program, and I look forward to seeing the accomplishments of the AmeriCorps Program over the next twenty years.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise in honor of Eppaminondas ``Eppie'' Johnson, who passed away recently in Sacramento at the age of 85. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Eppie, as his family, friends, and the entire Sacramento community gathers to celebrate his life and legacy. Eppaminondas Johnson was born on May 7, 1928, in Astoria, New York. After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, he moved to Sacramento to work for his father's restaurant and hotel business. In Sacramento, Eppie became a business and community legend. He was to become a symbol for everything great about Sacramento. Eppie founded a chain of 24-hour coffee shops and he became famous in the 1960s and 1970s for running a popular TV advertisement featuring himself balancing a plate of food while water skiing. He was well-known for his lively marketing campaigns, such as ``Professor Eppie'' that gave free sundaes to students who earned straight As. He eventually came to own sixteen restaurants in Sacramento, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Fresno, and the Lake Tahoe area, as well as hotels and other properties. An athletic man, Eppie was also the founder of a beloved Sacramento tradition known as ``Eppie's Great Race.'' Started in 1974 as a promotion and charity fundraiser, this three-event contest included running, cycling, and kayaking all in the beautiful American River Parkway. Popularly called the ``world's oldest triathlon,'' the contest has grown into a major summer celebration that annually attracts more than 2,000 participants. Next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the Great Race and I know Eppie will be cheering everyone on. His race has raised over $1 million for the Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services which offers activities to individuals with developmental disabilities. I had the pleasure of visiting Therapeutic Recreation Services with Eppie, and his passion to assist those with disabilities was clear. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in paying honor to Eppaminondas ``Eppie'' Johnson for being an exemplary member of the Sacramento community. I ask that we all take a moment and give our utmost respect and condolences to his children, George Johnson and Lisa Mangles, and his grandchildren. His life and commitment to our community are an inspiration to us all. The Sacramento area has lost a true legend.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Safe Climate Caucus to commend the release of EPA's proposed regulations to reduce carbon pollution from new power plants. These standards set the first national limits on the amount of carbon pollution that future power plants will be allowed to emit. Power plants are the largest source of carbon pollution, and these commonsense standards are moving us closer to mitigating the devastating effects of climate change. As extreme weather events continue to show us, the economic consequences of climate change are too great for us to continue to do nothing. By starting to rein in carbon pollution now, we are taking meaningful steps toward leaving a cleaner and healthy planet for future generations.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the United College Action Network, (U-CAN), and to congratulate this fine organization on 25 years of service. As U-CAN's founders, staff and supporters gather to celebrate 25 years of unparalleled service to the Sacramento community, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring this organization. Founded on September 12, 1988, by Alan and Donna Rowe, U-CAN has helped countless local high school students attend college. U-CAN specializes in providing college opportunities at historically black colleges and universities for students who may not normally pursue a college degree. U-CAN's successful model includes outreach, educational support, and mentoring services to students and their parents. U-CAN has built strong partnerships with local school districts, admissions officers, financial aid departments, coaches and department deans. Due in large part to their track record, they enjoy supportive relationships with a wide variety of faith, businesses and community organizations. U-CAN seeks to recruit and support socially and economically disadvantaged students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or national origin to attend historically black colleges and universities. Since its inception, U-CAN has assisted over 54,000 students in achieving their dream of a college education, generated $55 million in scholarship awards for students, and made it possible for 15,000 students to be accepted to historically black colleges and universities. Mr. Speaker, on their 25th anniversary, I am pleased to the United College Action Network for their service to students from the Greater Sacramento Area. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this organization and wishing them continued success as they serve local students as they pursue a college degree.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Sacramento's former mayor, city councilman and a prominent member of our community, R. Burnett Miller, as he celebrates his 90th birthday. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this great civic-minded individual who has served his country with honor and has contributed so much to the Sacramento region. Burnett was born in Sacramento, California, in 1923 and graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School. He began his life of service by joining the ROTC at Santa Clara College in 1941. He was a sophomore when World War II began, and went on to serve our nation in the Battle of the Bulge, and was a part of the U.S. 11th Armored Division when it liberated the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria on May 6, 1945. His service earned him a Purple Heart and the Silver Star for gallantry in action against an enemy of our nation. His experiences were featured in Ken Burns' documentary The War on PBS. Burnett completed his college education at Georgetown University and lived in Europe for several years; however, he never forgot his hometown. Burnett moved back to Sacramento and joined his family's lumber business, which later became known as Burnett and Sons Planing Mill and Lumber Company. For over 144 years, this company has prided itself in special and unique craftsmanship and has provided high- quality jobs to local Sacramentans. Burnett continued his lifetime of public service by serving first as a member of the Sacramento City Council and then as mayor. As a leader in our community, Burnett has championed local causes and organizations, raising funds for the Crocker Art Museum, the Sacramento Symphony, and the Sacramento History Center. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the great life of my friend, R. Burnett Miller, as he celebrates his 90th birthday with his lovely wife Mimi, his children and his friends and family in Sacramento. His life and legacy are an inspiration to us all.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise in honor of Joe Duarte, who passed away on July 23 in Sacramento, at the age of 84. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Duarte as his family and friends gather to celebrate his life and legacy. Mr. Duarte, a former Merchant Marine, devoted his life to helping our community. A lifelong athlete who played professional baseball with the St. Louis Browns, Mr. Duarte was committed to promoting recreational and academic activities for the youth of Sacramento. As a member of the Greater Sacramento Evening Optimist Club, in 1971 Mr. Duarte founded the Optimist All-Star baseball, basketball, and football games. He organized the best high school seniors from the Greater Sacramento area into teams to participate in these games. Not stopping with baseball, basketball, and football, Mr. Duarte also organized girls softball and volleyball games. Mr. Duarte created and organized the Youth Appreciation Night for Students from more than ten schools, which for over 20 years has recognized students who excel in academic, athletics and community service. In 2005, he created the Respect for Law program which honors seniors from the Criminal Justice Academies at Grant Union, John F. Kennedy, Hiram Johnson, and C. K. McClatchy high schools at a banquet which included their parents and Sacramento law enforcement officers. Mr. Duarte's honors include inductions into the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame in 1975, the Greater Sacramento Softball Association Hall of Fame, and the LaSalle Club Baseball Hall of Fame at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento in 2001. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in paying honor to Joe Duarte for being an exemplary member of the Sacramento community. His life and commitment to our community is an inspiration to us all. The Greater Sacramento area has lost a true citizen of the community who always put service above self. I ask that we take a moment and give our utmost respect and condolences to his wife, Phyllis, and their three children.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ralph Petty as he retires from 38 years with the U.S. Postal Service. As his family, friends, and colleagues gather to celebrate his illustrious career, I ask my colleagues to join me in tribute to Mr. Petty's many years of service. After honorably serving his nation in the Vietnam War, Ralph began a long career with the Postal Service as a letter carrier. He would later rise to become the spokesman and customer relations coordinator for the Postal Service in Sacramento, where he has constantly engaged the public, furthering access and understanding of the postal services available to area residents and businesses. Ralph has a widespread reputation for incredible customer service, and is a well-beloved member of the Postal Service staff, even earning the nickname ``Mr. Stamp''. His good nature and excellent work ethic have made him an invaluable asset to Sacramento area residents, including my staff and me, and his service will be sorely missed. Ralph has left his mark of the Postal Service in California and our Nation. He was instrumental in the creation of the Breast Cancer Stamp that has raised over $75 million for breast cancer awareness, and has been recognized by the Postal Service's leadership with the ``Benjamin Award'' for spreading postal services and products. Ralph was also a key proponent of the Santa Letter Program, which brings joy to countless needy children, and created a time capsule in 1993 that marked 150 years of mail delivery to Sacramento. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to pay tribute to Mr. Ralph Petty, who has served our Nation and community for so long. His diligent work has greatly contributed to the Sacramento region and he has helped to ensure that the Postal Service products are at the forefront of the public's mind. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this man whose community mindedness and service have been such an asset to Sacramento and our Nation.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Ron Cooper as he retires from Access Sacramento. As his family, friends and colleagues all gather to celebrate his outstanding career, I ask my colleagues to join me in tribute to Mr. Cooper's decades of service. Mr. Cooper selflessly served the Sacramento media, television and radio community for 26 years at the non-profit organization, Access Sacramento. For more than 22 of those years, he was its executive director. Under his leadership, Access Sacramento became nationally recognized as a pioneer in media technology and advocate for voicing unheard, marginalized voices and opinions. Access Sacramento has succeeded in providing important and timely ideas, thoughts, sights, and sounds, especially for minority programs that commercial and public television and radio did not find economically viable. Mr. Cooper founded and cultivated the annual ``A Place Called Sacramento'' film festival, which supports local filmmaking and offers training, coaching and production assistance to community filmmakers. Mr. Cooper also gave a voice to the youth of Sacramento by creating Neighborhood News Bureaus, which initiated ingenious methods of newsgathering and collaborations with neighborhood community centers through the implementation of current media technology and training. He also worked with college students from Cosumnes River College, high school students, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, creating and fostering cooperative training arrangements to provide practical media production experience and opportunities in media careers. Mr. Cooper's tireless service enriched our democratic values by offering voter education programming during election cycles. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Ron Cooper, who has served the Sacramento community and its people for more than two decades. His service has greatly contributed to the community and ensured the exercise of free speech. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing this man whose leadership has strengthened and broadened Sacramento's very best attributes.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. I thank the gentleman from Colorado for yielding. Mr. Speaker, my district of Sacramento is one of the leading clean energy economies in the country. The sharp cuts to clean energy initiatives in this bill are deeply troubling. It will no doubt hurt American innovation and American jobs, particularly as other nations continue to invest in clean energy technologies. It is also not reflective of an all-of-the-above energy strategy that our Nation desperately needs. At the same time, this bill addresses some of the important flood protection priorities for my district. Sacramento is the most at-risk metropolitan area for major flooding, as it lies at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers. We have a great deal at risk. As the home of the State capital and half a million people, a major flood event in Sacramento would have economic damages of up to $40 billion. I am pleased that this bill includes nearly $70 million in funding for Sacramento's flood protection priorities, including more than $66 million to continue construction on the Folsom Dam Joint Federal Project. In addition, this bill includes report language, which I requested, expressing concern with the Corps' current levee vegetation policy. Sacramento is ground zero for the impact of the Corps' vegetation policy. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, the Corps should consider regional variances and local input, as called for under bipartisan legislation I introduce in H.R. 399, the Levee Vegetation Review Act. The bill also includes report language that I also requested expressing concern with the Corps' decision to end its section 104 crediting policy, which has halted flood protection projects from moving forward, particularly one in west Sacramento. Mr. Speaker, moving forward, we must also be cognizant that there are other much-needed public safety projects that remain unfunded and unbuilt due to a lack of a WRDA bill. We urgently need to improve America's crumbling levee infrastructure. In Sacramento, my constituents have taxed themselves twice and $350 million of construction work is well under way for the Natomas Levee Improvement Project, all while awaiting congressional authorization for over 2 years after receiving a chief's report from the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Speaker, on May 15 the Senate passed a robust WRDA bill with clear bipartisan support of 83-14. It is my sincere hope that the House will soon follow suit. We cannot wait until the next disaster takes lives and wrecks our economy. This is a bipartisan issue that must be addressed immediately in Congress.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the Pain- Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. Instead of focusing on much needed job creation legislation . . . or addressing the student loan interest rates set to double in a matter of days . . . the House Republican Leadership has decided to bring up a bill that is unconstitutional and unconscionable. This legislation would ban abortions after 20 weeks nationwide . . . with no exceptions to protect a woman's health and with the most narrow exceptions for rape or incest. I have always believed that such a deeply personal issue can only be made by the woman herself . . . in consultation with her doctor . . . and her most trusted loved ones. This legislation is an attempt to insert the federal government into this decision making process and chip away at a woman's right to choose. For the young women in Sacramento and nationwide, I oppose this legislation in order to protect their health and their rights . . . and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a member of the Safe Climate Caucus to highlight the four-part plan released last Monday by the International Energy Agency about the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is yet one more report sounding the alarm that we are not on track to meet the agreed-upon target of limiting the rise of average global temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius. Mr. Speaker, how many more reports must be released before we act? Every day that Congress continues down this self-destructive path of ignoring climate change is a missed opportunity to bring immense benefits to our country. By failing to enact responsible climate change policies, we are missing the opportunity to simultaneously create good paying jobs, protect our environment, and leave a sustainable planet for our future generations. The time to act is now.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Sacramento's Loaves and Fishes homeless shelter, and congratulate them as they celebrate their 30th anniversary. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring this organization. Founded in 1983, Loaves and Fishes has been serving the Sacramento area by providing food, shelter, and social services for the area's homeless. They are a haven of safety, sustenance, and shelter for the men, women and children that seek their assistance. Today's ``30 Years of Food, Warmth, and a Path Home'' celebration has been dedicated to the hard work of Loaves and Fishes' countless volunteers. Loaves and Fishes, led by Sister Libby Fernandez and a committed Board of Directors, has shown compassion and devotion to meeting the needs of the homeless and indigent in the greater Sacramento area. They place the dignity of each person that they serve at the forefront of their efforts and strive to meet the needs of each person that walks in their doors. To fulfill its mission of compassion, Loaves and Fishes relies on financial support from a number of private donations and church groups. Mr. Speaker, I hereby recognize Loaves and Fishes for their continued service to the homeless men, women, and children of the Greater Sacramento area. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this organization and wishing them continued success as they endeavor to serve Sacramento's homeless.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Eskaton Monroe Lodge as they celebrate their 40th Anniversary. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the hardworking staff, volunteers and supporters who have ensured that this fine organization is able to provide valuable senior living and social services to Sacramento's seniors. Established in 1973 and located in the historic Land Park neighborhood of Sacramento, Eskaton Monroe Lodge was built by Eskaton, a non-profit health care organization based in Sacramento, as its first residential facility. While the buildings and property have been enhanced over the years, many of the original features and landscape have been preserved. Today, the property consists of almost one hundred apartments and continues to allow seniors to live independently and to the fullest extent possible in a comfortable and secure setting. Eskaton Monroe Lodge continues to offer a wide array of services and programs dedicated to improving the lives of Sacramento's seniors and their families. Eskaton Monroe Lodge offers its residents a variety of services including blood pressure clinics, access to the public library's bookmobile, church services, and continuing education programs pertinent to seniors. Also offered are activities such as exercise and wellness classes, movie showings, live artistic performances, craft groups, and many more which allow for social interaction. In addition, residents have access to transportation services that can get them to doctor appointments, grocery stores, and banks, and be able to run personal errands. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize and celebrate the outstanding service of Eskaton Monroe Lodge on its 40th Anniversary. I ask all my colleagues to join me in celebrating Eskaton Monroe Lodge, its residents, staff and volunteers as they celebrate the valuable contributions Eskaton Monroe Lodge has made to supporting Sacramento's seniors.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of equal pay for equal work for women. June 10 marks the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act. In 1963, when the Equal Pay Act was passed, women made 59 cents to the dollar that men made. Fifty years later, women are still paid significantly less than men for their same work. Today, women earn 77 cents for every dollar men make. Equal pay should not only be viewed as an issue of fairness; it is also an economic issue. The yearly gap of $8,200 the Sacramento women face could have been put to use paying off student loans, as part of a down payment for a new home, or invested for their retirement. Paycheck fairness puts the money that women have rightfully earned into their pockets where it belongs. That's why I support the Paycheck Fairness Act and urge my colleagues to support this important legislation as well.