Ed Pastor

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Fudge).

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Carnahan).

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Schwartz).

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne). (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Yarmuth).

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Peters).

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. On behalf of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, the families of the victims, the people recovering in Tucson and my fellow Arizonans, I want to express a sense of gratitude to all the Members here who have spoken and will speak, for your prayers, for your condolences and your affection you have given all of us. We thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts. We hope that some of the expressions you have given of showing respect, more respect to each other, more love for each other and disagreeing, debating, but not being disagreeable, will help us do the business of this House. Madam Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Braley), and I ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control that time.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5281. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of H.R. 5281, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, DREAM, Act. The DREAM Act would create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented young people, who were brought to the U.S. as children, raised in this country, have excelled in our education systems, and have expressed a clear commitment to pursue higher education or military service. Many of these young people currently live in Arizona's Fourth Congressional district, and under this bill, these bright and ambitious individuals will receive the opportunity to reap the full benefits of their educational advancements and military service by eventually obtaining legal citizenship. Such an achievement is advantageous not only for these young people and their families, but for our communities and our Nation as a whole. It is largely known that over a lifetime, a million-dollar difference exists between the earning capacity of a high school graduate and a college graduate. Research also shows that college graduates are more likely to volunteer and participate in their communities, and are less likely to be incarcerated or be recipients of public assistance. The earning power of college graduates also translates into important tax revenues for our Federal, State, and local treasuries, a point particularly poignant during this time of large deficits. The DREAM Act has received support from the Secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security, Education, and Labor. Secretary Gates has offered his endorsement of the proposal which would provide children of non- resident immigrants a clear path to U.S. citizenship through military service. We know the sacrifice asked of our service members and their families, and if these individuals are willing to make such a commitment, we should honor their decision by extending full citizenship rights. In considering the Department of Defense's challenges with recruitment and readiness, passage of the DREAM Act would ensure access to a new pool of eligible youth, ready to serve the U.S. military and wear its respective uniforms. Passage of the DREAM Act will reward the good decisions of many young people in my district, individuals who are placing their education at the forefront of their responsibilities, and who possess strong values beneficial to our Arizona communities and neighborhoods. As a body of Members who have collectively attained a high degree of education, we know the benefits we have received from our hard work and dedication. We must support legislation which rewards the same characteristics of diligence and commitment, allowing these young people to fully benefit, as U.S. citizens, from their accomplishments. I know students in my district who have been patiently waiting for passage of the DREAM Act. I truly am honored to represent this group of intelligent and driven young people, as I know their character and their desire to not only better their futures and that of their families, but also this Nation; a country in which they acknowledge has befitted them with great opportunities. I am confident these young people, through their intellectual contributions and military service, will continue to give back to a Nation they love so dearly and call their own. I ask my Colleagues to join me in supporting the important passage of H.R. 5281, the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors, DREAM, Act.

Mr. PASTOR

Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 473 on H. Con. Res. 301, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, the underlying bill, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendment bill, started in the Senate. It started with Senator McCain and Senator Kyl from Arizona. The Senate passed that particular bill from the Senate. It came over here. And as Chairman Rahall told you, my companion bill, the bill that I authored, was passed by the House and mirrored the bill passed in the Senate. When it went over to the Senate, the Indian Arts and Crafts bill, checking with Senator McCain and Senator Kyl, the amendment was added to the bill, the underlying bill. The Senate, by unanimous consent, took the amended bill and sent it back to us for our consideration, and that's where we are today. Mr. Speaker, I will tell you that this bill has been heard in the Senate, has been heard in the House--the underlying bill as well as the amendment--and, Mr. Speaker, I will tell you that there is concurrence in Indian Country that this bill is supported. There is concurrence here with the Native American Caucus, which is a bipartisan caucus that deals with the interests, the positive interests, of Native American issues, who are in support of it. The gentleman objects because of the procedure, but the content and the support is there. And so I would ask my colleagues, both on the Republican side and the Democratic side, to support this bill, which has had the scrutiny of the Senate and the House and a bill that has the approval, unanimous consent, in a bipartisan manner. It's very rarely that we see this type of cooperation between the House and the Senate, much less cooperation in a bipartisan manner. So I would ask my colleagues to support this bill and have it pass and be signed by the President.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, while many have written of the inspirational story surrounding Raul Hector Castro, Arizona's first Hispanic Governor, it seems only fitting that in today's highly charged atmosphere of anti-immigrant sentiment, we take the occasion of Governor Castro's 94th birthday on June 12th to examine his life as one who has surely proven the American dream is achievable. In fact, he has not only shown that dream is achievable, he has also underscored the fact that those pursuing the dream contribute mightily to the strength of our nation. Born in Mexico, the second youngest of 12 children raised in Arizona by an immigrant copper miner and a mother who was a well-trusted midwife, it would have been easy for him to get lost in the shuffle of such a large family that had to scratch a living from the ground to survive, but early on, he recognized the value of setting goals and not giving up until they are met. Based on that determination, he parlayed his natural athleticism and keen mind in high school into a scholarship to Arizona State Teacher's College. While no stranger to racism and discrimination when he graduated from college and become a naturalized citizen in 1939, he still had not anticipated the rejection he would experience when applying for teaching positions because school districts were unwilling to hire an Hispanic teacher. Discouraged, but not defeated, he traveled America for several years until he landed a civil service job as a foreign- service clerk for the U.S. State Department in Sonora, Mexico. Many would have been satisfied with a secure position in the federal government, but he was determined to further his station in life, becoming a Spanish instructor at the University of Arizona so that he might attend the institution's law school. Passing the Arizona State Bar in 1949, he established an enviable career over the next five decades that took him from Pima County Attorney through the appointment by two United States Presidents to three ambassadorships, in addition to becoming Arizona's first Hispanic governor. Throughout this process, he never lost sight of the importance of an education and his mother's mantra that he could accomplish whatever he set his mind to. As a result, when he did accomplish more than many ever hoped for, he didn't forget the four miles he and his Hispanic friends had to walk to school while the buses filled with Anglo children passed them by, and he worked tirelessly to rectify these kinds of incomprehensible bigotry. For example, as a judge he presided over a full-schedule of cases, but was particularly disturbed by the vulnerable at-risk youngsters in the juvenile court system who were being shoved under the rug by society. This inspired him to take time every Monday to check attendance records at the local high schools. In the evenings, he would visit with families of students exhibiting high rates of absenteeism in an effort to get their support in encouraging the students to stay in school and make the most of that experience. This concern for improving society continued throughout his career. Sometimes limited to simply seeing Hispanic children given equal access to the YMCA, to concentrating on improving human rights abroad while serving as an ambassador, he never lost sight of using his opportunities to make a difference. Throughout our history it has been proven that immigrants are far more than just an inexpensive work force. They are in fact a valuable asset to this country and Raul H. Castro is an outstanding example of one such person. Therefore, in light of today's divisive view of immigration, his story should be noted as a symbol of how the United States has benefitted from those who value this country so much, and that after moving here to build a better life for their families, they remain dedicated to making sure that they improve our nation for future generations.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, while many have written of the inspirational story surrounding Raul Hector Castro, Arizona's first Hispanic Governor, it seems only fitting that in today's highly charged atmosphere of anti-immigrant sentiment, we take the occasion of Governor Castro's 93rd birthday on June 12th to examine his life as one who has surely proven the American dream is achievable. In fact, he has not only shown that dream is achievable, he has also underscored the fact that those pursuing the dream contribute mightily to the strength of our Nation. Born in Mexico, the second youngest of 12 children raised in Arizona by an immigrant copper miner and a mother who was a well-trusted midwife, it would have been easy for him to get lost in the shuffle of such a large family that had to scratch a living from the ground to survive, but early on, he recognized the value of setting goals and not giving up until they are met. Based on that determination, he parlayed his natural athleticism and keen mind in high school into a scholarship to Arizona State Teacher's College. While no stranger to racism and discrimination when he graduated from college and become a naturalized citizen in 1939, he still had not anticipated the rejection he would experience when applying for teaching positions because school districts were unwilling to hire an Hispanic teacher. Discouraged, but not defeated, he traveled America for several years until he landed a civil service job as a foreign- service clerk for the U.S. State Department in Sonora, Mexico. Many would have been satisfied with a secure position in the Federal Government, but he was determined to further his station in life, becoming a Spanish instructor at the University of Arizona so that he might attend the institution's law school. Passing the Arizona State Bar in 1949, he established an enviable career over the next five decades that took him from Pima County Attorney through the appointment by two United States Presidents to three ambassadorships, in addition to becoming Arizona's first Hispanic governor. Throughout this process, he never lost sight of the importance of an education and his mother's mantra that he could accomplish whatever he set his mind to. As a result, when he did accomplish more than many ever hoped for, he didn't forget the 4 miles he and his Hispanic friends had to walk to school while the buses filled with Anglo children passed them by, and he worked tirelessly to rectify these kinds of incomprehensible bigotry. For example, as a judge he presided over a full-schedule of cases, but was particularly disturbed by the vulnerable at-risk youngsters in the juvenile court system who were being shoved under the rug by society. This inspired him to take time every Monday to check attendance records at the local high schools. In the evenings, he would visit with families of students exhibiting high rates of absenteeism in an effort to get their support in encouraging the students to stay in school and make the most of that experience. This concern for improving society continued throughout his career. Sometimes limited to simply seeing Hispanic children given equal access to the YMCA, to concentrating on improving human rights abroad while serving as an ambassador, he never lost sight of using his opportunities to make a difference. Throughout our history it has been proven that immigrants are far more than just an inexpensive work force. They are in fact a valuable asset to this country and Raul H. Castro is an outstanding example of one such person. Therefore, in light of today's divisive view of immigration, his story should be noted as a symbol of how the United States has benefitted from those who value this country so much, and that after moving here to build a better life for their families, they remain dedicated to making sure that they improve our Nation for future generations.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the life of a great educator, El Hadj Amadou Thiouf. Born in Bargny, Senegal, he devoted his entire life to the cause of education. Studying for 4 years at ecole normal William Ponty, an elite school in Thies, Senegal, he was first assigned to Lamingue, Kaolack, where he served for 2 years and met his wife Adj Fatou Ndoye. They were married on August 11, 1957. From 1957 to 1971, he lived in Rufisque where he taught at three different institutions: Diokoul, Fass and Matar Seck. In 1971, he was sent to Matam, a city in northwest Senegal, and then moving again, serving in Bargny, the city of his birth, from 1972 to 1975. In 1978, he returned to his hometown of Rufisque and became the principal of Thiokho Elementary School, the school close to his home and where his children attended. There, he remained as principal until 1985, when he became the head of El Hadj Ousseynou Diagne, the largest elementary school in Rufisque. After a long and distinguished career as an educator, Mr. Thiouf retired on September 9, 1992. He is a recipient of the Ordre National du Lion, Senegal's highest national honor and the Chevalier des Palmes Academiques for his lifelong dedication and commitment to education. In 1998, Mr. Thiouf and his wife became permanent residents of the United States and spent half their time in the United States and the other half in Senegal. He is survived by his widow Fatou Ndoye and their 10 children: Mame, Diaraf, Abdou, Seynabou, Pape, Adj, Sokhna, Awa and Mahomet. Mr. Thiouf also had 13 grandchildren. Their oldest son Alassane, a graduate of the University of Arizona, died in a tragic car accident in September 1990 in Senegal. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to come before you today and share the life of this great man.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to praise and reflect upon the life and career of an outstanding community leader and dear friend, Mary Alice Eckstrom. Mary Alice Eckstrom was born in Tucson, Arizona on October 29, 1946. Throughout her lifetime she always made herself available to help others, especially the less fortunate. She did all of this very quietly, never seeking personal praise or recognition. It was her abiding faith in God, her devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and her dedication to St. Therese the Little Flower, which enabled her to effectively serve others. Alice selflessly gave her time, talents, and resources to the community. She served for 20 years, including seven terms as President, with the League of Mexican American Women, which provided $2 million in postsecondary educational scholarships. She served the Diocese of Tucson for ten years, at St. Ambrose School, also serving on the School Board. She served on the Board of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, and as a volunteer for the Pio Decimo Center. In February 2010, LULAC and the NAACP honored her with the Rosa Parks Lifetime Community Advocacy Award. Within her family, Alice was the solid foundation from which her two children acquired and developed their individual knowledge, skills and talents. She was the main driving force in making sure that each of them were carefully nurtured and trained to become sustaining and contributing community members. She always provided a special guiding hand focusing on how to live proper and acceptable lives. To her children and all that knew her, Alice was an exceptional mother, teacher, mentor, confidant, and friend. For more than a year, Alice waged a valiant battle to overcome Lymphoma. Fighting cancer was nothing new to her, which she had done in 1985, when stricken with Breast Cancer. [After a year of chemotherapy and radiation, her cancer was in remission for 23 years and she lived every day of her life to the fullest.] In October 2008, to celebrate another annual survival milestone, she led a grassroots fundraising effort in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, by successfully raising $2,500 in $5 contributions. One month later, after a routine chest x-ray, she was diagnosed with Lymphoma. She received chemotherapy treatments for more than a year and underwent a bone marrow transplant. During each of these aggressive medical treatments, she never complained, but was always sustained by her strong faith. She possessed an amazing spirit of survival, and always maintained an ever- present and radiant smile. She was hospitalized for several weeks before Christmas, but this did not prevent her from helping others. As she had done for 37 years, Alice helped raise needed funds so that 6,000 disadvantaged children could receive a new toy at Christmas. On March 29, 2010, surrounded by her loving family, Alice left our earthly presence to begin her promised journey of eternal life. On ``Holy Thursday,'' Rites of a Christian Burial were celebrated at Saint Augustine Cathedral. Her celebration of life was attended by more than 1,200 mourners, and it was led by the most Reverend Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson, Father James Hobert, Father Patrick Crino and Deacon Oscar Bueno. She was eulogized by her daughter Jennifer and son Daniel, who shared many lifetime memories and remembrances. A special honor guard and escort were provided by the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the South Tucson Police Department led the funeral procession to Holy Hope Cemetery, her final resting place. Alice is survived by Dan Eckstrom, her husband of more than 37 years, a retired Chairman of the Pima County Board of Supervisors and Mayor of the City of South Tucson; her devoted children-daughter Jennifer Eckstrom, who serves as Mayor of the City of South Tucson and son Daniel William Eckstrom II, a Staff Assistant for U.S. Congressman Ed Pastor. She is also survived by her mother Felicita Rosales, her sisters Jenny and Grace; and her brothers Rudy, Robert, Julian and Louis. She is predeceased by her father Louis Rosales, her sister Anita Rosales and her beloved niece, Melissa Dian Gomez. In keeping with her commitment to serving the less fortunate portion of our population, Alice's family, friends and supporters are continuing her legacy by establishing a memorial fund that will provide scholarships for deserving students attending Pima Community College- Desert Vista Campus. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the leadership of Mary Alice Eckstrom and the friendship she has given me and my family.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to praise and reflect upon the career of an outstanding community leader and a dear friend, John M. Williams, Jr. I would also like to congratulate John on his upcoming retirement. John is the president of the Salt River Project (SRP), the nation's third-largest public power utility and the largest supplier of water to the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. John serves as president of both the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association, the water distribution side of the company, and the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, the electricity-generating side of the company. He began serving on the SRP council in 1964 and has served 28 years with SRP, including 12 years as vice president. He was elected SRP's 16th president in 2007. During his tenure as president, John signed the largest-ever Indian water rights settlement; helped SRP expand its sustainable-energy portfolio to approximately seven percent of the total energy generated, including partnering on the state's first commercial wind farm; and presided over a far-reaching settlement that will help ensure the future sustainability of Arizona's Verde River. John is a member of the Groundwater Users' Advisory Council, the American Public Power Association, the National Water Resources Association, the Colorado River Water Users' Association and the Cowman's Club. In addition, President George W. Bush appointed him to the National Infrastructure Advisory Council in 2008. An Arizona native, John is active in numerous community-based efforts, including serving on the board of the Farmers Gin and as a committee member of the Maricopa County Farm Services Administration. He has been involved in many other community activities in the Laveen area. John, who owns John M. Williams Farms in Laveen, lives in the West Valley with his wife, Dawnetta. I have been fortunate to have John as a friend for many years. I first became familiar with John's trademark black cowboy hat when he came to visit my office in Washington, DC. Since that time, I have seen him wear that same black cowboy hat twice a year at Corona Ranch, where we have enjoyed the music and good company together. Madam speaker, I am honored to recognize the leadership of John Williams and the friendship he has given me and my family.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 149, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I inform the House that former Interior Secretary Stewart Udall, father of our former House colleague, Senator Tom Udall, and uncle of our other former Member, Senator Mark Udall, passed away this morning at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old. Stewart Udall was born in St. Johns, Arizona, on January 31, 1920, to the former Supreme Court Justice Levi S. Udall and Louise Lee Udall. He attended the University of Arizona where he earned undergraduate and law degrees. During World War II, Stewart served 4 years in the United States Air Force as a gunner. He flew 50 missions over Western Europe for which he received the Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters. In 1954, Stewart was elected to serve from Arizona's Second Congressional District to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected to serve four terms in Congress, which he did with great distinction. In 1960, he proved instrumental in helping persuade Arizona Democrats to support then-Senator John F. Kennedy during the Democratic National Convention. Upon election in 1960, President Kennedy appointed Stewart Udall Secretary of the Interior, where his accomplishments under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson made him an icon in environmental and conservation communities. Legislative achievements from Secretary Udall's Cabinet career include the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the expansion of the National Park System, and the creation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Until his passing, Stewart Udall continued his dedication to public service as an author, historian, scholar, lecturer, and environmental activist, lawyer and citizen of the outdoors. He was the last surviving member of the President Kennedy's original Cabinet. Stewart Udall was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Erma Lee Udall. He is survived by his six children, Tom, Scott, Lynn, Lori, Denise, and Jay, and other family members including eight grandchildren. The country is greater for Stewart Udall's service, and on behalf of the House I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the Udall family. I ask that we join for 1 minute of remembrance. I thank the House.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, today, I would like to highlight the small country of Azerbaijan, wedged between Russia and Iran, on the Western shore of the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan has now been an Independent Republic for the longest time period in its history-- nearly 20 years. The Region contains oil and gas resources equivalent to those of Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan owns one-third of the oil and gas deposits in the Region. 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. An important oil customer of theirs is Israel. Azerbaijan is a Muslim country that has practiced complete religious tolerance for hundreds of years, with some five Jewish Temples in Baku alone. And of major importance, Azerbaijan has provided troops to support our military efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Between 1991 and 1993, Azerbaijan was locked in a conflict with surrounding countries. A brutal act during the conflict happened at the Azerbaijani village of Khojaly in February 1992, when women, children, and old people were killed. Therefore, February is an especially emotional time for the people of Azerbaijan. With the help of the government of Russia, a cease-fire was negotiated in this war in 1994, leaving 16 percent of Azerbaijan, including the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, occupied by Armenian forces. Since that time, the Minsk Group of OSCE has played the lead negotiating role in attempting to bring about a solution to this situation, encouraged by numerous international resolutions including five in the United Nations. Today, some 18 years after Khojaly, there is a glimmer of hope. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has been meeting regularly with President Sargysian of Armenia, and in a recent weekend spent with President Medvedev of Russia, it was reported that the two Presidents worked on a Preamble to an agreement that will take great political courage for both of them. It is important that we give them our encouragement and make sure that our actions with respect to the Region support this historic agreement.

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona

Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to praise and reflect upon the career of an outstanding attorney and community leader, Rodney B. Lewis. I would also like to congratulate Rod on recently being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Native American Bar Association of Arizona. Rod Lewis comes from a family dedicated to serving the Native American community in Arizona. Rod is one of three sons born to the late Reverend Roe B. Lewis and Sallie Lewis. He and his brothers, John and Robert, grew up on the Gila River Indian Reservation. All three attended college and graduate school and each has devoted their careers to the service of Indian tribes and Indian people. In fact, John is the Executive Director of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona. Rod earned his bachelor's degree from Trinity College in San Antonio, Texas. While in college, Rod participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and upon graduation was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army Rangers, ultimately obtaining the rank of first lieutenant upon discharge from the Army. Rod earned his master's degree from Arizona State University in 1969 and went on to law school at the University of California Los Angeles. Upon graduating with his JD in 1972, Rod returned to the Gila River Indian Community to serve as the tribal attorney for the Community and to raise a family. He and his wife Willardene have three children and five grandchildren. Rod has had an extraordinary legal career. He was the first Native American to pass the Arizona Bar Exam and be licensed to practice law in Arizona. He was also the first Native American lawyer to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court. Shortly after law school, Rod faced an effort by the State of Arizona to tax the sale of tractors to the Gila River Indian Community farms. Rod fought this effort and prevailed in a 5 to 4 Supreme Court decision. The Central Machinery v. Arizona State Tax Commission decision continues to stand as the definitive case recognizing the right of Indian tribes to operate beyond the taxing authority of states. Rod served as the General Counsel of the Gila River Indian Community for more than 30 years. For much of his tenure as General Counsel, Rod led the battle to secure the water rights of the Gila River Indian Community. Rod worked tirelessly in litigating and ultimately negotiating the single largest Indian water rights settlement in the history of the United States. This settlement resulted in the return of 653,000 acre-feet of water to the ``River People'' of the Gila River Indian Community and $200 million to construct a system to deliver water to the reservation. Rod Lewis has dedicated his life to being a champion for the Gila River Indian Community. He is a genuine trailblazer who has broken down barriers and served as a role model for a new generation of Native American lawyers. Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize Rod for his distinguished career and outstanding leadership and thank him for being my friend.