Ed Pastor

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 46--Approving the Journal and 47--H.R. 667, I missed these votes due to a flight delay. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many achievements of Ms. Sonia Gutierrez who is celebrating 40 years of service as President and Founder of the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School in Washington, DC. Since 1972, Ms. Gutierrez has dedicated her life to educating and empowering diverse immigrant communities in our nation's capital. In her capacity as Director of the Program of English Instruction for Latin Americans (PEILA), Ms. Gutierrez transformed the small, under- funded English as a Second Language (ESL) program into a comprehensive adult education program, known today as the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School. At the school, Ms. Gutierrez has led a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated team of faculty and staff to improve the lives of over 60,000 adult immigrants. Ms. Gutierrez's passion and tenacity are evident in her unwavering dedication to these individuals, giving them a chance to transform their lives. Ms. Gutierrez's service has not only impacted the students at Carlos Rosario, but the DC public at-large. Her ongoing leadership and inspired vision provide opportunities for the DC immigrant population to become invested, productive citizens and members of American society who give back to family and community. Ms. Gutierrez has received recognition from the District of Columbia, the DC Board of Education, national and local Latino organizations, and from organizations in the African-American and the Asian communities. In 2001 she was one of the first four inductees to the Hall of Fame of the National Charter Schools. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Adult Education specializing in Supervision and Administration of Adult Education Programs. Ms. Gutierrez established the Council of Latino Agencies in 1977 and together with Jose Gutierrez and other community leaders was instrumental in creating the mayor's Office of Latino Affairs. Ms. Gutierrez continues to make transformative contributions to immigrant and non-immigrant communities alike in DC and nationwide. She is presently focused on ensuring the growth and long term sustainability of the Carlos Rosario School's award-winning model. In 2013, a new workforce development satellite site, located in northeast DC, will be dedicated to Ms. Gutierrez--the Sonia Gutierrez Campus. Mr. Speaker, in light of all Ms. Sonia Gutierrez has done for the community of Washington, DC, it is only fitting that she be honored for her many years of dedication. Her tireless passion as a principal, counselor, advocate, and organizer has contributed immensely to the betterment of the immigrant community and our community as a whole. I ask that you join me in recognizing Ms. Gutierrez and her continued service.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues from Arizona to commend the Translational Genomics Research Institute (``TGen'') for a decade of biomedical research success. TGen was founded in Arizona in 2002 to leverage new scientific discoveries from the mapping of the human genome, and its establishment promptly accelerated the state into the era of genomics and personalized medicine. Significant to TGen's establishment was the confluence of support from all sectors of the state to attract this new institute to base its operations in Arizona as well as recruit the renowned geneticist Dr. Jeffrey Trent to lead it, and position the state as a worldwide leader in bioscience and medical discovery. Academic, business, philanthropic and government leaders all joined forces in a statewide campaign within a matter of months to strategically assemble the necessary support. The members of Arizona's congressional delegation also rallied behind this collective vision. What most excited Arizona leaders was the vision put forth by Dr. Trent, to accelerate and translate scientific discovery into more immediate and effective benefits for patients, all made possible with the new information from the human genome and rapidly developing technology. It was on this day ten years ago, June 26, 2002, with high expectations and hopes, that Governor Hull and state leaders announced the successful launch of TGen and the genomics era in Arizona. A decade of exciting growth and new research discoveries has since transpired, with TGen's rising tide lifting all boats. TGen has kept its promise to the State of Arizona to invigorate and diversify the economy. Beyond growth in TGen's operational impact, TGen has also been instrumental in the creation and expansion of commercial businesses. Investment into TGen and the biosciences has spurred economic growth across the state, including the establishment of such bio centers as the Critical Path Institute and Bio5 in southern Arizona, and ASU's Biodesign Institute. The bioindustry has flourished over the past ten years, even during economic downturns, becoming a significant high-performing sector of the Arizona economy. For patients, TGen is offering hope where there had been none with novel treatments offered only in Arizona. By partnering with clinical entities like the Mayo Clinic and Scottsdale Healthcare, TGen is focusing on utilizing genomic analyses to improve and customize patient treatments. Patients with pancreatic cancer and rare diseases like basil cell carcinoma are finding answers to their treatment struggles, and through its work, TGen is improving the quality of patient lives and allowing more years to spend with loved ones. Whether it's sequencing anthrax or the plague, investigating H1N1 or Valley Fever, finding new clues to triple-negative breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease, or leading new collaborative research partnerships addressing pediatric and canine cancers, TGen's research has made substantial inroads over the past ten years. More than a decade ago, the mapping of human genome represented a world challenge to make use of this new knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Arizona answered this challenge, and now TGen is leading the model to fuse modern medicine with the power of translational research to fuel the next wave of treatments for all manner of human diseases. As the tenth-year anniversary of TGen's launch is celebrated today, I applaud Dr. Trent and the scientists at TGen for their unwavering commitment to make a difference for patients and lead innovative research for Arizona into the next decade.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Arizona, the Honorable Ron Barber, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, the world sometimes leads us down strange and troubling paths, and the fact that we are gathered today swearing in a new Member of Congress into the most deliberative body in the world is a tribute to our former colleague Gabby Giffords. It is a tribute to the resilience of the people of Arizona, a tribute to our strong and fruitful democracy that has continually endured hard and challenging times, and it is a tribute to our new colleague, Ron Barber. So it is with great pride and renewed zeal for the strength of the American people and for our system of governing that I introduce our newest colleague, Congressman Ron Barber. I have gotten to know Ron better over the last few months, and there is no one who will work harder to make sure that the people of the Eighth District are treated fairly, with dignity and with honor. Ron and his wife, Nancy, have dedicated their lives to southern Arizona. They have run a business for more than 30-some-odd years, a business that helps young parents provide for their own children. They've raised their two daughters, Jenny and Crissi, right here at home in Tucson. They are watching their four grandchildren grow up in Tucson. But Ron also wanted to do more for his community, so he spent 30 years with the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities, where he worked countless hours helping people with disabilities get out of government-run institutions and back into their communities, fully employed, contributing to their society, and living with their families. His service then expanded beyond those with disabilities, becoming Gabby's district director and coordinating all her efforts to assist her constituents experiencing personal problems with the Federal Government. And now these same people are Ron's constituents. Welcome to the House, Ron Barber. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to my distinguished colleague, Jeff Flake.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, it is now with great pride that I yield to our distinguished new Member, Congressman Ron Barber.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 193, due to business in my office I was delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the many achievements of Ms. Terri Cruz, my friend and a matriarch of the Hispanic community in Phoenix, who has advocated for the social well-being of thousands of Arizonans throughout her lifetime. On March 28, 2012, Terri was recognized with an Arizona Latina Trailblazer Award presented by Phoenix College Raul H. Castro Institute and Latino Perspectives Magazine. Such an event provided the opportunity to reflect on her many contributions to the Latino community in Phoenix and Arizona. More than 43 years ago, I met Ms. Cruz while she was working with the Migrant Opportunities Program and SER Jobs for Progress, two very important programs in our community. At the same time, Ms. Cruz was also serving as one of the founding board members of Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc., a nonprofit agency based in Phoenix. Today that agency provides social services, education, economic development, and housing programs throughout Arizona. Terri's known trait of serving with compassion, professionalism, and dignity is apparent in all areas of CPLC's work. For the past 20 plus years, Terri has worked as a social service provider with CPLC, the organization she helped start. Her small frame and friendly disposition is no match for her powerful advocacy skills, which has undoubtedly allowed her to effectively represent and advance the needs of countless Arizonans. In tribute, CPLC named one of its buildings for Ms. Cruz, and in 2008, she was quoted in The Arizona Republic as saying, ``I learned that people are what's important. If people need help, you help them. If you have, you share.'' As a child of the depression era, who lost both parents by the time she was six, Terri understood the value of hard work and the importance of caring for others. When she was old enough, she began working at a laundry, married at the age of 15, and became a mother to eight children. Terri assumed the challenge of being a single parent, while simultaneously beginning her work as an advocate for our community, and the issues most important to us. Despite her limited education, Terri's ``can do'' attitude led her to eventually pursue career opportunities as an office assistant, job developer, and a personnel manager. Ms. Cruz has also encouraged civic participation and over the past two decades has been one of our most reliable volunteers at my annual Citizenship Day event, where she assists citizenship candidates in preparing their application packets. Additionally, Ms. Cruz's leadership skills has benefited the many boards and commissions on which she has served. In 1985, she was appointed by former Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt to the Nursing Care Institution Administrators Board, while concurrently serving as the National Chairman of the Hispanic Senior Citizen Foundation Board. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Ms. Terri Cruz and her continued commitment and service to the people of Arizona.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the long public service career of Mr. David Smith, who is retiring this month as Maricopa County Manager after more than 17 years as the county's top appointed official. Mr. Smith's career dates back to 1968, when he served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, including two years in Vietnam. Since this time, Mr. Smith has received countless recognitions for his work, including the honor of being named Governing Magazine's ``Public Official of the Year'' in 2001. Beginning first as a lobbyist for Westchester County, NY, it was there, that he first learned the art of the legislative process and the nuances of federal, state and local governance. In December 1994, he arrived in Phoenix in the midst of a fiscal crisis. In response, he fashioned a strategic plan based on realistic economic analysis, accurate forecasts, smart budgeting, continuous fiscal oversight, and a relentless quest for service improvement. His efforts have in turn helped Maricopa County establish a Triple A bond rating, no general obligation debt, a structurally balanced budget, and more Arizona Quality Awards than any other public or private entity in the state. Through Mr. Smith's fiscal discipline, Maricopa County was able to build satellite facilities, correction centers, and courthouses with cash reserves, saving hundreds of millions in interest payments that bonding would incur. Also, due in large part to his guidance, Maricopa County's adult probation department is considered a national leader in evidence-based practices and reducing recidivism. Noting the fiscal challenges associated with rising health care costs, Mr. Smith pushed the county to invest in public health programs. As such, more Arizonans are able to take advantage of health screenings and assessments and the county will also soon open a clinic for integrative medicine, utilizing alternative therapies. Like many urban centers, downtown Phoenix has needed to address the concerns of chronically homeless adults. Therefore, Mr. Smith proposed a one-stop service center and organized a public-private response with county government taking the lead. Today, the Human Service Campus provides its clients with professional support and resources, and uniquely, through its establishment, has helped spur private economic investment in downtown Phoenix. Mr. Smith is retiring from county government, but his leadership, vision, and focus will surely have a lasting impact in Maricopa County. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in thanking Mr. Smith for his work and congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement as Maricopa County Manager.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate Rocky and Beki Maynes on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary--a milestone reached January 19, 2012 and celebrated by the couple's ten children, thirty grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and other family and close friends. Verma and I have known and worked with this wonderful couple for many years and we sincerely wish them our heart-felt congratulations. Rocky and Beki met at Arizona State College, (now ASU), where Beki was studying music on a scholarship, and Rocky was pursuing a degree in education and language studies. In their eventual careers that followed, Rocky became the Director of Migrant Children Education for the State of Arizona, a position he held for many years until his retirement in 1990. Prior to being Director, he served as a dedicated teacher to countless Arizona high school and college students. Beki's leadership as president of the Glendale Women's Club and Glendale Historical Society helped advance both organizations' important missions, yet her most valued role remained as a mother to her and Rocky's large, ever- growing family. Anyone who knows Rocky and Beki can attest to their great love for all of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren--a love deeply rooted first in their devotion to one another. Yet, this couple, time and time again, looked to the larger community and its needs, prompting Rocky and Beki to be proactive in serving others and furthering access to high-quality education for all children. Such efforts have proven to benefit numerous Arizona families, a testament to Rocky and Beki and especially their marriage, a source of continued strength and support for both of them. In celebrating Rocky and Beki's 60th Anniversary, we reflect on the life they have built with one another, and join in congratulating them on what truly is an accomplishment of great significance. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Dr. and Mrs. Maynes on their 60th wedding anniversary and join with their family in wishing them many more years of continued happiness, health, and innumerable blessings.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and achievements of Mr. Lou Poulos, who recently passed away. As a husband and father, as a friend and businessman, as a community trade association and church leader, Lou was an extraordinary man who cared deeply for his country, state and city and the industry that he was instrumental in shaping for half a century. The sixth of nine children to Greek immigrants, Lou contracted polio at the age of 2. Although he received treatment as a child, Lou never regained full use of his legs and walked with crutches or used a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. Lou's condition did not detract from his steadfast determination to live a life on his terms, not on the terms of the disease that damaged his legs. In 1929, his father and a partner started the wholesale Farmers Produce Company. Later at the end of Prohibition in 1933, the elder Poulos acquired one of the first wholesale liquor licenses in Arizona. Lou got his first taste of the business by helping his father in the Miami, Arizona office by taking orders for liquor over the phone. Lou was widely recognized and respected in the liquor industry and the Arizona community as a whole from the time he was a young man. But he really came into his own when he developed a chain of drive-through liquor stores, which were launched from his father's business. Farmers Liquors was the first retail liquor chain in the state, with some 15 locations through the Valley of the Sun. Under Lou's management, Farmers Liquors prospered. While he was building his own business, he was mindful of the importance of all the tiers of the industry and the impact of political legislation and the people who made those decisions. Early on, Lou became active in the Arizona Licensed Beverage Association (ALBA), founded in 1936 to protect liquor licenses against unfair legislation. He was largely responsible for putting teeth into ALBA and working to fulfill the mission of the organization. Serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for decades, Lou was also the association's longest serving treasurer--45 years. Lou Poulos was a very generous man, not only in financial terms, but also in lending his time, wisdom and expertise to individuals and worthy causes that sought his assistance. Lou was not one to make his contributions known publically. According to Georgia, his wife of 57 years, Lou was especially supportive of organizations that were involved in helping those afflicted with infantile paralysis (polio), the disease he contracted at age two. He was a lifetime contributor to his church in Phoenix, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and its affiliated organizations, and an active volunteer during the annual Greek Festival, which observed its 51st year in 2011. Lou also donated financially to associations dedicated to cancer and heart disease research, as well as the Wounded Warrior Project, among other veteran's organizations. In every respect, Lou Poulos was a good man and a good citizen who, without seeking fanfare or plaudits, quietly enriched the fabric of our great and unique nation. In considering all of these achievements, I ask that you join me in recognizing Mr. Lou Poulos for his courageous overcoming of adversity, his many contributions to the progress and growth of Arizona and his prominent and positive influence on the state's liquor industry.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I thank the gentleman from Michigan and the gentleman from Ohio. In the 110th Congress, as well as the 111th Congress, I had the opportunity to preside frequently. I was given that honor by Speaker Pelosi, and several of those years I clocked over 100 hours in the chair. So I had an opportunity to be with John and see John's work as the Parliamentarian, and I associate myself with all the remarks given by the previous speakers. John is very knowledgeable and well read about the rules of the House. As my colleague, Jeff Flake, said, John was fair and John was respected--and is respected--by the leadership of the House on both sides, as well as his staff. I have to tell you that his staff was always well prepared. They anticipated, especially in debates that we had controversial bills, they anticipated probably some of the areas that would hit some rocky roads, and they were always prepared. His staff was prepared, and they were always kind and caring to the person who was up in the chair, and many times they assisted me to make sure that I read the paper right or gave the right response. So I have to tell you that, John, as Parliamentarian, did bring stability and respect; and I thank him for that. During some of the debate that was pretty boring or during votes, we had a chance to talk to each other about more social things. We talked about vacations he took, when his daughter Margaret was in town, restaurants, movies that we had seen. So during those times, I had the opportunity to know John as a person, and I found him in those conversations to be a caring husband to his wife, Nancy, because he talked about some of the trips they went on and some of the things they did over the weekends, and obviously he was a caring father to his three children. So, for me, it was a great joy to be presiding over the debate here at the House and to know that the people who were going to be assisting me as Parliamentarians were well prepared and were fair and that they respected the House. More than that, I knew that I was dealing with a person, John V. Sullivan, who truly loves this House and who wanted to make sure that this House was able to function well and that there would be order. Jeff Flake is correct: when Jeff sometimes would get up, John would say, Oh, no, here comes another Flake amendment. But we got through them. In each case, we did the best we could, and I know that his professionalism will always stand out. I congratulate Tom for succeeding him. Yet, to my friend John Sullivan, I wish you the best. May you have a great retirement and continue to care for this House as you care for your family. Best wishes.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I also rise in support of this legislation, and I too want to thank both the sponsors of this resolution, the cosponsors and the leadership, both on the Democratic side and the Republican side, for bringing this resolution before us today. I urge all my colleagues to vote ``aye.'' It's a tribute to Gabe Zimmerman, who gave his life less than a year ago in Tucson, and also it's a tribute to his family. His mother was a public servant in Tucson. She worked for many years for the city of Tucson, so he knew what public service was through his family. It's also a tribute and a recognition of the service that all public employees give to our country and make our lives every day a little better. So may Gabe rest in peace, and may we continue to give thanks and gratitude to the public servants who give us a better quality of life.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. First of all, I want to thank the gentleman from Arizona for the courtesy. Mr. Chairman, this is an issue that I have been working on for probably the last 10 years. And one of the interests that I have on this issue is because I was born in and grew up in this copper triangle that we're talking about today. It's a beautiful area, and at one time, copper was the industry for this Copper Triangle. Yet, over the past 20-25 years, many of the mines have shut down, and copper production has stopped in Arizona. So I have to tell you that my interest in this land exchange would be the possible economic development of this area. I travel through this area because my mom still lives up in Miami, Arizona, where I was born and raised. I travel regularly, at least once a month, through these canyons. I can tell you that it's the most beautiful sight, about 85 miles east of Phoenix, where you can still see a fine, pristine environment with some of the most spectacular rock formations you'll ever see in this country. It's very beautiful, but it's also an area that has been hit by some hard times. I grew up in a mining town, so I know what a mining town is. During the summers, while I was attending Arizona State University, I'd go to work in the mines. I worked in the leaching plant, the electrolytic plant, the leaching tanks, the ball mills, and the moly plant, so I have the experience of knowing this type of life. I know the economic boom that copper mining can bring to a community, but I also have experience with the adverse impact that copper mining can have, not only on the people who work there, but also on the environment. I have seen both sides. It's with that interest that I have seen the evolution of this debate. At one time, even I sponsored a bill that would deal with the economic development of these mining towns--Superior, Globe-Miami, et cetera. The area that we're talking about being exchanged, is an area I know well. As a kid growing up, we used this area for a picnic site, and in some cases, when we didn't go to school, that's where we would have our impromptu picnics. So I know this area. I have to tell you, with regard to the issue of jobs, as will be discussed, I guess ``a number of jobs'' is in the eye of the beholder. Mining has changed, and I know that it's a different type of mining now from the one I experienced. We can debate the number of jobs, but I will tell you that this will bring some economic development to these areas of the Copper Triangle. That I cannot deny. Yet the issue for me is at what price. At what price do we bring this economic development without some protection to the environment and without some protection to an employee's rights? There is no debate that this ore deposit has some of the richest ore bodies. Copper, gold, silver, molybdenum, and other rare metals will be mined here. It's one of the richest deposits of ore not only in North America but probably in this world. That's why Resolution Copper has maintained 8 years, 9 years, 10 years of trying to get this bill done, because they know how rich this deposit is. So at what price do we pay for this economic boom? Mr. Chairman, I will tell you of the differences I have with the sponsor of this bill. But, first, I have to thank him because Representative Gosar reached out very early, and we talked about this particular bill. He has improved the bill I sponsored, but I feel that he has not gone far enough. This bill would be highly improved if the amendment offered today that gives an 8 percent royalty fee on the extraction of the ore would be adopted, making the bill more fair to the American public. If that amendment is adopted, obviously, it will be very difficult to oppose this bill; but if the amendment is not adopted, then, Mr. Chairman, the American public will be paying too high a price for the economic development of the Copper Triangle. The only enrichment will be for those copper companies that are foreign based.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 699, 700 and 701, I missed because of airline delay (4 hr.). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on all three.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Arizona State University's (ASU) women's softball team in winning the NCAA 2011 championship title. The Sun Devils swept the University of Florida Gators on June 7, 2011 in a best-of-three series, winning the final game by a score of 7-2. This accomplishment marks the Sun Devil's second national championship in four seasons, placing them among an elite group of just four teams who have won multiple NCAA titles in softball, with ASU also winning the title in 2008. The team's success is undoubtedly attributed to the extraordinary leadership of Head Coach Clint Myers, the hard work and dedication of the players, and the efforts of supporting staff and loyal fans alike. Especially impressive was the stellar performance of freshman Dallas Escobedo and senior Kaylyn Castillo. Their teamwork and close collaboration was integral in leading ASU to victory. Escobedo won her 19th consecutive decision while becoming the first freshman pitcher to be credited with a national championship since 1990. Castillo's strong defensive stance as catcher, her ability to guide and mentor Escobedo, and her impressive .429 average also greatly contributed to the team's championship win. Additionally notable, in seven seasons of the best-of-three championship series format, no winning team has compiled a larger cumulative margin of victory than ASU's 15 runs, and in this past season alone, the Sun Devils won 23 of 24 games and recorded a perfect 10-game winning streak in the tournament. I want to congratulate Head Coach Clint Myers, Assistant Coach Chuck D'Arcy, Associate Head Coach Robert Wagner, and all the players on the championship team: Nikole Afusia, Lucy Aubrecht, Hillary Bach, Katelyn Boyd, Kaylyn Castillo, Krista Donnenwirth, Jessica Donovan, Lindsey Edgerton, Dallas Escobedo, Lacy Goodman, Talor Haro, Alix Johnson, Breanna Kaye, Kayla Ketchum, Annie Lockwood, Dani Rae Lougheed, Michelle Nulliner, Sam Parlich, Mackenzie Popescue, Sarah Rice, Lesley Rogers, Mary Spiel, Mandy Urfer, Bailey Wigness, and Christina Zambrana. In considering all of these achievements, I ask that you join me in recognizing Arizona State University's softball team in winning the NCAA 2011 championship title.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Raul Hector Castro, Arizona's first Hispanic Governor, on the occasion of his 95th birthday on June 12, 2011. Raul Castro's legacy is imbedded in my home State's history for his high achievements despite the racism he experienced as a young Mexican immigrant raised in Arizona. Besides holding Arizona's highest State office, Governor Castro served as a United States Ambassador three times: to El Salvador, Bolivia, and Argentina. Last year, Governor Castro was honored with the prestigious Cesar E. Chavez Legacy Award at the Ninth Annual Cesar E. Chavez Foundation Gala in Phoenix. In addition, Governor Castro received the Arizona Legacy Award at the 52nd Annual Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Black and White Ball. Governor Castro and co-author Dr. Jack August, Jr. have written a fascinating biography entitled ``Adversity Is My Angel: The Life and Career of Raul H. Castro.'' The book traces the astounding life of the former Governor through his childhood as a Mexican immigrant in a harsh land to his election as Governor and Presidentially appointed Ambassador. It chronicles how he overcame personal and racial prejudice to rise to the highest levels of accomplishment. During the last couple of years, the former Governor has been on a mission to visit and speak with middle school and high school students and encourage them to stay in school and get an education. Governor Castro has visited several schools throughout the State of Arizona sharing his legacy and more importantly stressing the value and importance of an education. Education is a top priority of Governor Castro, and the Institute that carries his name is housed at Phoenix College. The Raul H. Castro Institute is focused on improving the quality of life for the Latino community in Arizona and educating and strengthening partners that serve the Latino community by fostering connections with research institutions, promoting best practice dissemination, and impacting policy decisions in education, health and human services, leadership, and civic participation. The Honorable Raul H. Castro continues to provide vision and leadership in the State of Arizona, and I ask my colleagues today to join me in recognizing his life's accomplishments and his 95th birthday.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an important ally of ours in the South Caucasus region, Azerbaijan, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its independence as a democratic nation. Despite the global recession, Azerbaijan has experienced strong economic growth in each of the past three years, in part due to increased immigration as people from surrounding nations have found that Azerbaijan affords the greatest opportunity for employment, stability and security for working families in the region. Azerbaijan continues to face unique challenges that it must overcome to maintain the promise of its independent democratic principles. This country of eight million people occupies the Western shore of the Caspian Sea, bordering Russia to the North and Iran to the South. This region contains vast oil and gas resources equivalent to those of Saudi Arabia, with Azerbaijan owning one-third of these valuable deposits, but it must be vigilant in maintaining independence of action regarding the use and distribution of its extracted resources. Their main oil pipeline runs from the capital city, Baku, through Georgia and Turkey, and out to the Turkish port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean Sea. In the early 1990's, Azerbaijan was involved in a brutal conflict with its neighbor to the West, Armenia, and the repercussions from atrocities committed during that time still impact diplomatic and economic relations today. Since a cease-fire was negotiated in 1994, these two nations have been locked in a dispute over the Nagorno- Karabakh region, located within Azerbaijan but occupied by Armenian forces. The Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, of which the United States is a co-chair, was created to encourage a peaceful, negotiated resolution to this conflict, yet work remains in reaching this goal. Azerbaijan is a secular, modern, Muslim nation that has practiced complete religious tolerance for hundreds of years, with some five Jewish synagogues in Baku alone. Israel is an important oil customer of theirs, and in the past year, honored Azerbaijani teams that worked alongside Israelis in fighting large wildfires that ravaged northern Israel. And of major importance, Azerbaijan bolsters U.S. efforts in Afghanistan through troops and airfields that provide logistical support. It is important that America continue to encourage Azerbaijan in its democratic and economic growth, and highlight the progress made in these last twenty years. Congratulations, Azerbaijan.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Linda Elliot, a loyal and committed LGBT rights advocate, who will receive the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Arizona Individual Equality Award on March 19, 2011. She is truly deserving of this unique honor, and we recognize her many contributions in addressing issues affecting Arizona's LGBT community. Ms. Elliot's commitment to HRC is commendable, and will soon be marked by 20 years of service to this organization. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Elliot has served in a variety of diverse roles, including her most recent position as the National Co-Chair for the HRC Board of Director's Public Policy Committee. In this capacity, Ms. Elliot and her fellow committee members have helped achieve a series of accomplishments for the LGBT movement, including hate crimes legislation, the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, and other gains related to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and gender rights. Ms. Elliot should also be congratulated for her efforts as a founding member of two HRC chapters in Phoenix and Denver, and for her dedicated membership on a host of community boards and steering committees, including Arizona's Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, the One-Voice Community Center, the ``No On Prop 107'' steering committee, and the Colorado AIDS Project. Ms. Elliot has maintained a constant presence in the community she serves, encouraging and inspiring the involvement and participation of numerous other LGBT activists in Arizona. Personally, I also want to thank Linda for her continued friendship and support, which she has generously offered to me throughout the years. In considering all of these achievements, I ask that you join me in recognizing Linda Elliot for her tireless advocacy efforts and offer her sincere congratulations upon acceptance of her laudable award.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to both H.R. 830, the FHA Refinance Program Termination Act, and H.R. 836, the Emergency Mortgage Relief Program Termination Act, which we will debate tomorrow. I readily recognize that both these programs could have accomplished more in helping Americans to save their homes. But, just because a program needs improving does not mean that it should be eliminated. There is a tremendous need for programs that help homeowners to stay in their homes. We have assisted large national banks, Wall Street investment companies, and the major automobile companies of our country. In fairness, we cannot turn our backs on the hard-working American homeowners--who in most cases were victims of the large, multi-billion dollar financial organizations--and allow them to lose their homes because the economy has hit on such low times. These mortgage assistance programs can make a difference in the Fourth Congressional District of Arizona. I am told by housing officials in Arizona that part of the reason so little has been done and these programs have had such a limited level of success is that the infrastructure for administering them, both in the private and semi- public sectors, was not in place. And, even when it was put into place, many financial institutions failed to fully cooperate. Can these programs be improved? The answer is a definite yes. Should these programs be improved? Again, the answer is yes. But let us work to fix them, so that they can keep families in their homes. Local authorities need more discretion in making decisions. The Phoenix housing market is a perfect example of this. Dollar limits that may suffice in other parts of the country are not sufficient in higher priced markets like Phoenix, Las Vegas, Miami, and San Diego. But, we should not just eliminate these programs because they have struggled to become operative. Let's work together to fix the problems, not create further problems by evicting people from their homes.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I want to thank the chairman for yielding. I have to remind my good friend from Ohio that as the West was settled, it was people from Ohio and Virginia and the Midwest that were making these laws that created most of the western States to be 80 percent, 70 percent, 90 percent Federal lands. In order for us to be able to have somewhat of a tax base because of the limited private property we have, we need to ask the Federal Government to pay its share. You cannot in many cases develop economically these lands because people from the East prohibit us from developing these public lands. I just want to throw that out as a reminder.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I just want to make a point. The gentleman from California is correct. We did accept his amendment several days ago, an amendment which dealt with the reduction of funds--I think it was $1.9 million--but it was not specific to this dam; it was specific to the account. So this is a very different amendment, and that's why we rise in opposition. Mr. Chairman, I now yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I want to thank the chairman for recognizing and providing time. This amendment would prevent FERC from carrying out its statutory authority. The term ``enforce'' would impact oversight of existing and operating liquefied natural gas facilities. This amendment appears to prohibit FERC from approving environmental or safety-related amendments to existing liquefied natural gas facilities. This amendment will impact both import and export proposals in addition to almost any new facilities at preexisting plants. While I understand the gentleman has concerns in his district, the language would impact a much broader constituency, and for that reason I oppose this amendment and urge my colleagues to join me.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I want to thank my friend, Congressman Carter, for yielding. You see, the problem I have is that 2 hours ago, 3 hours ago, there was great debate about the States who took on the Federal Government over a question of the constitutionality of ObamaCare; and there was a decision that was rendered, and that's going to go to appeal, and everybody is happy because they agree with the decision. In Arizona, Arizona decided to pass SB 1070. It went to Federal court. Judge Bolton decided that some sections were constitutional, some were unconstitutional, and we are now going through the process of the Ninth Circuit and probably to the Supreme Court. So what's good for the goose is good for the gander. So I would tell you, why don't you let the process occur, and that way we'll know whether or not Arizona has the power to deal with immigration and whether or not the States can deal with the constitutional issue of ObamaCare.