Jimmy Panetta

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 200 firefighters from the United States, including California, who packed up and deployed out to help our friends from Down Under in Australia fight one of the biggest fire disasters we have ever seen on this Earth. A fire that has burned millions of acres, destroyed thousands of businesses, farms, and homes, killed 25 people, and incinerated close to 1 billion animals. For over 15 years the United States and Australia have shared firefighters to help each other contain their growing wildfires; but as we are experiencing--and, yes, due to climate change--our fire seasons are getting longer and longer, our droughts are getting drier and drier, and our fires are getting bigger, costlier, and deadlier. That is why we are so grateful to the firefighters, not only for their service to our communities but for their willingness to travel and fight fires in other countries. That appreciation for those firefighters will be demonstrated in Congress later this week when I introduce a resolution recognizing their work, their will, and their courage. But let that resolution also be a reminder of the work and commitment needed by all nations to not just fight fires for our safety, but to continue to fight climate change for our future.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of USMCA. That is right. The chairman is absolutely correct. I represent the central coast of California, and I fondly call it the ``Salad Bowl of the World.'' With agriculture being our number one industry, trade with Canada and Mexico and, thus, the USMCA is very, very important. This deal will provide our farmers and ranchers with continued, yet improved, access to those important markets. It will also strengthen those sanitary and phytosanitary standards and make sure that sound science is used when it comes to our food safety, and it helps California wine get into those Canadian markets. When this administration first presented USMCA to Congress, I have to say, it was unacceptable. However, thanks to Speaker Pelosi, Chairman Neal, the Trade Working Group and, you bet, Ambassador Lighthizer, we were able to come up with one of the strongest, most progressive deals in the United States' history. The USMCA now has some of the most stringent labor standards, some of the most robust funding for enforceability, and some of the strongest requirements for the environment ever. The USMCA frames a new floor for future trade agreements. It creates new confidence in our most important trading partners, and it provides protection for the future of our fresh produce on our farms, for the dignity of our workers, for the sanctity of our environment, and, yes, for the success of our economy and our hemisphere.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I did not come to Congress to impeach the President. But, I swore an oath to protect our country and defend the constitution. That is why, today, I will vote to approve two articles of impeachment against this President for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. In order to arrive at that solemn and somber conclusion, I used many of the same skills that I acquired early on as a former prosecutor. By putting politics and emotions aside to focus on the underlying evidence and applying those facts to the articles of impeachment, I found it clear that the President subverted our national interest for his own personal and political interest. The President then repeatedly ignored and refused to cooperate with the numerous requests and subpoenas of the investigation by Congress. Moreover, the President proudly admitted this conduct and refuses to acknowledge that he did anything wrong. I do not take pride in impeaching a sitting president of the United States. But as the U.S. Representative for the central coast of California, I am upholding my obligation under the United States Constitution and to protect the future of our democracy. The impeachment of the President and his upcoming trial in the U.S. Senate will not stop us from getting things done. As I have proven during my limited time in Congress, I will continue to work on and pass legislation that reforms our immigration laws, especially for Dreamers and farmworkers, promotes our agriculture, combats the effects of climate change, improves our health care system, lowers prescription drug prices, changes the tax code to help the middle class and small businesses, defends equal rights, and protects our values and way of life on the Central Coast.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Robert H. Down Elementary School, which has been recognized as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School for fostering an engaging, community-oriented learning environment for students on the central coast of California. Robert Down School has created a dynamic learning environment with an educational philosophy that emphasizes academic enrichment through community engagement and individualized learning objectives, catered to the emotional, social, and academic needs of each of its students. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, Robert Down Elementary features programs that promote learning in social-emotional studies, character development, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics), foreign languages, vocal and instrumental music, journalism, visual/performing arts, and other subjects to provide students with a robust and multifaceted learning experience. In 2018, with the help of dedicated staff, courageous leadership, supportive family, and engaged community, all students and significant student groups scored in the highest band of academic performance for both English Language Arts and Mathematics on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress--a testament to Robert Down School's deep commitment to fostering a comprehensive, transformative learning experience for all of its students. Robert Down School is setting the bar for academic intervention programs across the country. The intervention program, which is fluid and adapts to students' individual needs, works both within the general education classroom and outside the core curricula time, in the community and at home, to ensure that all students are set on a path of academic success. Students enter reading, writing, and/or mathematics intervention based on diagnostic information, analysis of assessments, evaluation of the student's daily performance in the classroom, and teacher consultation. Students are given benchmark assessments three times a year and are provided with monthly progress monitoring to ensure the program's criteria is responsive to the ever-evolving needs of its students. The teachers and staff at Robert Down School are deeply committed to developing bright and high-achieving students. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the achievement and hard work of Robert H. Down Elementary School and their well-deserved recognition as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael A. Houlemard, Jr. for more than twenty years of leadership as the Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) Executive Officer and congratulate him on his retirement. Mr. Houlemard was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in Pasadena, California. He studied at University of California, Santa Barbara and graduated with a degree in Political Science before completing a Master of Arts degree in Urban Studies at Occidental College. Following his studies, Mr. Houlemard participated in the prestigious CORO Foundation fellowship program. Mr. Houlemard's early career included a gubernatorial appointment as a Deputy in the California Department of Housing and Community Development, time as a Project Manager for the Pasadena Redevelopment Agency, and leadership roles as Executive Director of the Southern California Urban Coalition, Deputy Director of the Pasadena Urban Coalition, and Assistant Dean/Director in the University of California at Santa Barbara Office of Veterans' Affairs. As Executive Officer of FORA, Mr. Houlemard oversees the broadly representative agency located on the Monterey Bay, which is responsible for former Fort Ord's conversion to civilian reuse program. Mr. Houlemard also oversees a $100 million munitions and explosives cleanup of 3,400 former Fort Ord acres. In this role, Mr. Houlemard's decisive leadership and expertise resulted in FORA being designated a military base reuse national model by the Department of Defense. Mr. Houlemard's work has also been lauded by the Association of Defense Communities, earning him their Local Reuse Authority Executive of the Year Award, and the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, earning him their Ruth Vreeland Public Official of the Year Award. Michael A. Houlemard, Jr. has served the central coast of California with adept leadership and tireless dedication over the past two decades, making FORA a model agency for the potential of a civilian reuse program. I hope that Mr. Houlemard enjoys his well-earned retirement spending time with his beloved wife, Christina Valentino, watching his favorite pastime, baseball, and visiting his cherished hometown of New Orleans. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing his years of service and encouraging him to let the good times roll (laissez les bon temps rouler).

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Lofgren for her amazing leadership on this bill. It is an honor to have her as a colleague. It is an honor to have her as my direct neighbor to the north in California. Madam Speaker, let me also take this time to thank Representative Dan Newhouse for his courage, his willingness to be bold on this bill was phenomenal. Let me thank both of their staffs for the amazing amount of work that they did on this bill. Madam Speaker, let me thank all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have worked on this bill, especially Fred Upton and the Problem Solvers Caucus, who are supporting this bill. This bill, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, is a step in the right direction for our agriculture, for immigration reform, and, yes, even this Congress. This bill would protect our existing ag workers, and it promotes an enduring ag workforce. This bill does that by allowing those who have worked in ag to stay working in ag and the opportunity to earn a pathway here in this country. It does that by modernizing an outdated system for temporary workers and adding 3-year visas for year-round workers. It does that by ensuring a number of visas, fair wages, a supply of housing, and safe working conditions. By passing this bill, finally, farmers will have access to a dependable and experienced workforce, and farmworkers will not get just the legality, but the dignity that they deserve. I am not only proud of the product in this bill, but all of us here in the House of Representatives should be extremely proud of the process behind the formulation of this bill. For the past 9 months out of this year, farmers and farmworkers, Democrats and Republicans, came to the table, sat at the table, and stayed at the table to grind out the details in this bill. Now, yes, it is not a perfect bill, but it really is a darn good bill, a bill which is the result of a compromise. That is why this bill is a huge step in the right direction for farmers, for farmworkers, for our agricultural communities, for our country, for Democrats and Republicans in this Congress, and for who we are as a democracy, built on a nation of immigrants.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act. As we have heard today, this bill helps communities like mine on the central coast of California prepare for and respond to climate change, and it does this with scientific data to address coastal and ocean management. More importantly, this bill establishes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Digital Coast program, a web-based collection of tools, training resources, and data that informs coastal managers on their climate-related decisions. Now, my amendment will expand that data set, and it will do that by encouraging collaborations and partnerships between higher educational institutions and Federal agencies. Now, in my district, there are coastal colleges and universities that are pursuing cutting-edge research focused on coastal resilience. At the same time, there are Federal agencies like NOAA that are doing innovative work on this very same topic. My amendment will ensure that there is communication, coordination, and collaboration between academic scholars and the policymakers when it comes to digital data focused on coastal management issues. This will not only improve the relevance and applicability of our Nation's efforts to protect coastal communities, but it will help our Nation gather the evidence it needs and continue being the leader it needs to be when it comes to mitigation and adaptation in dealing with climate change. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask that my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Legal Services for Seniors on the occasion of their 35th Anniversary. Beginning in 1985, Legal Services for Seniors has been dedicated to facilitating attorneys and legal advocates for senior residents of the 20th Congressional District of California. More specifically, Legal Services for Seniors has a history of providing no-cost legal representation to elderly low-income individuals residing in Monterey County who would otherwise not have access to the resources necessary for protecting their legal rights. Legal Services for Seniors has made it their goal to address and correct legal harm done to Monterey County seniors. They have offices and outreach locations in Seaside, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove, King City, Greenfield, Soledad, Gonzales, Castroville and Monterey. Legal Services for Seniors' attorneys and advocates provide free legal advice and complete legal representation to local seniors in order to address legal problems including physical, financial, and emotional abuse. More than 90,000 seniors have benefitted from no-cost legal support over the past 35 years. Many of the issues are very dramatic or life-threatening, and include abuse, Medicare, landlord- tenant conflicts, medical and private insurance issues, Social Security problems, consumer fraud, scams, identity theft, probate guardianships, wills and advance health care directives. Thankfully, approximately 3,000 citizens are assisted with these issues each year by Legal Services for Seniors. In 2018 alone, Legal Services for Seniors restored one million dollars in property fraudulently appropriated by the individuals which prey upon our seniors on the central coast of California. In addition to direct client representation, Legal Services for Seniors provides community-wide presentations to approximately 2,000 seniors and their family members annually. These presentations provide information regarding issues which are vital to seniors' wellbeing, including recognizing and preventing elder abuse, scams, and consumer fraud as well as providing resources for affordable housing and end of life healthcare and decision-making. These services are crucial to informing citizens of their rights and resources. Additionally, the agency presents information on challenges faced by local seniors through public service announcements, newspaper articles, resource fairs, workshops, and other public venues. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the dedication and commitment to compassion and justice that Legal Services for Seniors provides to the 20th Congressional District. We are fortunate to have this non-profit establishment call the Central Coast home as the only nonprofit agency in Monterey County providing no-cost legal services to our elderly residents. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Legal Services for Seniors.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the work of the students, teachers, and staff at the Accelerated Achievement Academy (AAA) in the Hollister School District. AAA has been recognized in 2019 as a National Blue Ribbon School for fostering an innovative, multi-dimensional learning environment for students across the central coast of California. The Accelerated Achievement Academy is one of the highest achieving schools in California, using evidence-based professional development and instructional practices in the classroom to engage students in transformative, real-world learning. AAA works with a Project-Based Learning (PBL) model that pushes students to develop deep content knowledge along with critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. Through the PBL model, students interact with businesses, organizations, and their community. These interactions instill in them a sense of agency and purpose and a complex understanding of the world around them and their place in it. The teachers and staff at Accelerated Achievement Academy are deeply committed to developing bright and high-achieving students into kind and compassionate individuals. Each classroom creates a social contract, an agreement of behavior that builds peer-instructor relational skills to raise the social and emotional capacity of each individual student. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the achievement and hard work of AAA.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mike Marotta, Sr., an entertainment legend, a Monterey native, and a cornerstone of the Italian American community on the central coast of California in my district. I am sorry to say, Mike passed away earlier this week at the age of 98. Mike was a family man, a businessman, and a civic leader. But I have to say everyone who knew him knew that music was Mike's first and everlasting love. He taught himself how to play the accordion when he was 11 years old. He would then take the accordion down to the bay and play for the Italian fishermen coming back and unloading their catch. His musical journey even led him to Hollywood eventually, where he played with stars like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. During his military service during World War II, he entertained the troops throughout the United States. Now, recently you could find Mike playing Italian songs with his kids and grandkids and even at the Paisano Club, but also you could find him continuing his tradition of playing for fishermen and our community at the Festa Italia Santa Rosalia, the premier Italian American festival on the central coast of California. My condolences are with his family. Mike's civic-mindedness and his musical gift will be missed by our community, but his legacy and his love of music will be carried on by his family and friends through his everlasting songs played by his son, but most importantly, through the love in our hearts for Mike Marotta, Sr.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained during the second vote series on October 22, 2019. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 578

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Viveca Lohr for her 33 years of service to Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, including 32 years as Executive Director. The 20th Congressional District of California appreciates Viveca Lohr's dedication to her community on the central coast of California and the great efforts she has made to serve seniors and disabled adults on the Monterey Peninsula. Viveca Lohr began her work with Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula in November of 1986 and quickly became a leader in the organization, rising to Assistant Executive Director in May of 1987 and Executive Director in November of 1987. Ms. Lohr now oversees the day- to-day operations of this critically important organization that strives to promote the well-being and independence of clients on the Monterey Peninsula by providing home-delivered meals, welfare checks, and group meals. During her 32 years as Executive Director, Ms. Lohr has overseen the Meals on Wheels Home Delivered Meals Program as it has grown to deliver over 190,000 meals annually to more than 500 homebound clients who cannot shop or cook for themselves. Viveca Lohr has worked with a tireless team of staff, Board Members, and volunteers who make this critical service possible. Through generous donations and fundraising events in the community on the Central Coast, programs can be administered to guarantee the continued health and well-being of individuals who may not otherwise be able to remain independent without Meals on Wheels. The program not only serves food and conversation to its clients, but also provides more than 20,000 hours of exercise, health, and enrichment classes at its headquarters, the Sally Griffin Learning Center, to promote and maintain healthy aging. This facility is named after the Meals on Wheels program's dedicated founder, Sally Judd Griffin. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking Viveca Lohr for her 33 years of service and leadership on the central coast of California. Her tireless commitment to improving the lives of seniors and disabled adults in California's 20th Congressional District will not be forgotten, and her legacy in the community will certainly be long lasting. On behalf of Central Coast residents, I thank Ms. Lohr for her contribution to our community and wish her a long and healthy retirement.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the House join me in congratulating Community Human Services on the occasion of their 50th Anniversary. Throughout the last half-century, Community Human Services has not only brought attention to, but also alleviated the hardships that middle and low income individuals and families in Monterey County face on a daily basis. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Robin McCrae, the agency has grown from three programs, 55 employees, and a $1 million budget to a multi- million dollar organization with a workforce that has doubled and operates twelve programs throughout Monterey County. Community Human Services' mission is to address the tribulations that can be associated with addiction, mental illness, emotional health, domestic violence, child abuse, homelessness, and any other issue individuals may have trouble solving on their own. The institution allows people of all ages access to the tools necessary to overcome these challenges, creating lasting and sustainable changes on the central coast of California. A key aspect of Community Human Service's mission involves connecting with individuals in our community and ensuring them that help is available to them without insurance or monetary compensation. Information regarding programs and corresponding issues are widely distributed to schools, businesses, civic groups, churches, and service organizations. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and congratulating the commitment that Community Human Services has provided the Central Coast. As the organization celebrates its 50th Anniversary, I am proud to recognize Community Human Services for its continued work to address the challenges of individuals and families on the Central Coast. We are fortunate to have an institution like Community Human Services call the 20th Congressional District of California home.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of the Big Sur Health Center. Big Sur Health Center opened in 1979 with a mission to bring quality medical care to the rural community of Big Sur and continues to serve as the only medical facility in the immediate area. The non-profit center provides affordable, culturally sensitive healthcare centering on diverse patient needs to both residents and visitors alike. When it opened, Big Sur Health Center offered services one day a week and facilitated 850 patient visits a year. Recognizing the need in the area and with community-wide fundraising support, the center quickly expanded to a 2,100 square-foot medical facility providing services five days a week. To date, they have administered more that 73,000 patient visits. In its 40 years of service to the central coast of California, Big Sur Health Center has grown to meet the needs of our local community. Their team has developed vital programs and services, including a pharmaceutical service for urgent care medications and supplies, a fully-equipped dental suite to provide full-service oral healthcare, chiropractic care, acupuncture care, and a multicultural outreach program. Their bilingual staff aims to provide personalized, comprehensive, and holistic care to the diverse cultures and communities in Big Sur. With unpredictable coastal hazards and frequent geographic and climate challenges, the Big Sur community faces unique medical needs. Big Sur Health Center has responded to these needs by offering 24-hour- on-call service and home visits and coordinates with local emergency teams during extreme weather conditions and natural disasters. In recent years, the center has offered healthcare services to thousands of firefighters during six large-scale fires. They have remained innovative in their response to local needs, working in partnership with medical facilities on the Monterey Peninsula to limit the need for residents to commute 30-miles for laboratory testing and other immediate medical services. I am honored to recognize Big Sur Health Center and its important contributions to the health of residents on the Central Coast over the past 40 years. They have made incredible progress from their small clinic in 1979 and will undoubtedly continue to evolve with the needs of the community to provide quality, affordable healthcare services to our rural coastline. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking Big Sur Health Center for 40 years of service to our community.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paulette Lynch for her 30 years of leadership to Monterey County's creative sector and to congratulate her on her retirement after 15 years as executive director of the Arts Council for Monterey County. The 20th District of California appreciates Paulette Lynch's dedication to the community and the great progress she has made over the past three decades. Paulette Lynch spearheaded First Night Monterey in 1992 and successfully led the organization for ten years before becoming Executive Director of the Arts Council for Monterey County in 2004. She also reshaped the Arts Council's mission, creating a greater equity in funding for the arts throughout the county, developing award-winning programs, and providing unifying leadership in the creative sector on the central coast of California. Further, Paulette restored county funding, diversified the Arts Council revenues, and created the annual Champion of the Arts Gala, an event which honors seven arts nonprofit organizations and individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions throughout Monterey County. Paulette Lynch has been guided by the phrase ``the Arts are the Answer,'' and demonstrated the transformational benefits of arts in the classroom, community, the juvenile justice systems, and health systems. 35 school districts and 20,000 students, as well as numerous communities, benefited from her dedication. Paulette was previously recognized for her work to improve the quality of life within California's 20th District. She has won several awards and honors throughout her tenure, including the 2008 Monterey County Weekly Editor's Pick for Community Leadership Best pf Monterey County, the 2009 City of Seaside 25th Anniversary Award for Lifetime Support of Youth in the Arts, the 2013 Monterey County Commission on the Status of Women Outstanding Woman of Monterey County, the 2013 Monterey County Weekly Top 25 Game-Changing Leaders of Monterey County, and the 2015 National Association of Counties Award for Innovation program Art as Healing Intervention for incarcerated youth at the Monterey County Probation Department Youth Center. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking Paulette Lynch for her 30 years of service and leadership to Monterey County. Her tireless commitment to improving the lives of everyone in California's 20th District through the arts will not be forgotten, and her legacy in the community will certainly be long lasting. On behalf of Central Coast residents, I thank Ms. Lynch for her contribution to our community and wishing her a long and healthy retirement.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to present to you, to present to this body, a trophy that recognizes something that hasn't been done in over a decade. Now, I am not talking about the 2009 Raise the Wage Act. I am not talking about the 2009 Hate Crimes Act. I am not even talking about the creation of the Office of Congressional Ethics in 2009. What I am talking about is that these Congressmen in front of you actually beat the Capitol Police in football on Tuesday night for the first time in a decade. Now, at the game, Mr. Speaker, fortunately, there were no serious injuries. At practice, there was, but not at the game. We had a lot of sore muscles, but most importantly, we did raise a heck of a lot of money for local charities and the Capitol Police Memorial Fund. So, Mr. Speaker, I present this trophy to you, this rather large trophy to you, I present it to this body as a reward for that victory, but also a small reminder of what Democrats and Republicans can do when we work together. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rodney Davis).

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today on the behalf of Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes to recognize the work they have done to foster community development and collaboration as they celebrate 30 years of committed work to alleviating hunger among working class families on the central coast of California. Loaves and Fishes was founded in 1989 as an emergency response to the Loma Prieta earthquake and served more than 20,000 meals to residents displaced by the disaster at their original location in Watsonville's St Patrick's Church. The organization has since grown into a community-supported local kitchen and pantry to serve the people of the Pajaro Valley. The Loaves and Fishes lunch program serves a hot, nutritious lunch every weekday, prepared on-site by certified cooks and other community volunteers. In 2018, Loaves and Fishes served between 80 and 150 hot and nutritious meals every weekday. The pantry program provides supplemental groceries to the individuals or families up to twice per month, with 76 percent of adult pantry clients being farm workers who support the Central Coast. Most of these groceries are either donated or purchased from local farmers and the Second Harvest Food Bank. In addition to its food programs, Loaves and Fishes supports the development of the community by providing support services, including nutrition education, job trainings, resume building workshops, life skills development, and referrals to other available social services. Many of these services are provided through partnerships with other social service agencies and nonprofits. It is an honor to recognize an organization with such a meaningful impact on the community, and I am proud to celebrate Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes' 30th anniversary of supporting the Central Coast. Madam Speaker, I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Loaves and Fishes as a pillar of strength in our community.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the retiring Monterey County Administrative Officer, Dr. Lew Bauman, after twenty years of public service. As the County Administrative Officer, Dr. Bauman is the manager of county government and represents the County and Board. His leadership has impacted my district and the communities within it, and I am honored to acknowledge his legacy today in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dr. Bauman has served in the position of County Administrative Officer since January of 2005. Over the past seventeen and a half years, he has made significant contributions to the health, infrastructure, and economy of Monterey County. A few of the many accomplishments during his career include the financial turnaround of Navidad Medical Center, the financing of the county's Road Fund, local infrastructure renewal projects, and the reorganization of departments for maximized efficiency. Dr. Bauman is highly regarded by his peers as a patient, forward thinking and compassionate leader. These attributes that have greatly benefited the lives and careers of the over 5,300 employees of Monterey County. Dr. Bauman has also been an active member of numerous nonprofit boards and commissions. These include the United Way, Community Health Innovations, the Monterey Rotary, and Navidad Medical Center, where he serves as a Trustee. He also serves on the board for the American Public Works Association and served as Director of the County Engineers' Association of California. Further, he has served on the American Society of Civil Engineers board, where he is able to lend the knowledge he obtained from his experience as a city engineer in Foster City, a senior engineer in San Jose, and his M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Civil Engineering at UCLA. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Lew Bauman for his successful career as a public servant. We are very fortunate to have had an individual that has shown such devotion to improving communities on the central coast of California. Dr. Bauman plans on remaining in Monterey County and continuing his service to the community while enjoying life alongside his wife, Jennifer Stone, and two daughters, Avalon and Madeline. I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Dr. Lew Bauman on his retirement, successful career, and unwavering dedication to the 20th District of California.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Robert Scattini, a public servant of San Benito County, California. Mr. Scattini lived a long life, filled with family and friends. His service to San Benito County, the state of California, and United States of America and love for all people will be missed. Throughout Robert's decades of dedicated public service, he left an indelible mark on the citizens of San Benito County that will be felt for generations to come. Mr. Scattini was born on February 21, 1939 in San Jose, California. He grew up alongside four brothers and four sisters in Castroville, Salinas, and San Juan Bautista. He graduated from San Benito High School in 1958 and soon joined the U.S. Army. Upon returning home, he began his distinguished career in law enforcement and continued his service as a San Benito County Sheriff's Deputy. Following four years with the local sheriff's department, he entered the California Highway Patrol Academy and eventually joined the Gilroy CHP office, overseeing San Benito County. As a law enforcement professional, Robert was frequently heroic. On one such occasion in the mid-1970s while he was with the CHP, a man had a heart attack and stopped breathing. Robbie administered CPR and revived him, earning him recognition from then-President Gerald Ford. From that point on, for many years, the survivor's family brought food to the Scattini home during the holidays. It was just one example of appreciation, among many, which locals showed Robert for his compassion and endearing nature. He was with the CHP from 1966 to 1983 and became the sheriff in 1983. As a County Constable, City Councilman, Gavilan College criminology instructor, San Benito County Planning Commissioner, board member for the San Benito Health Foundation, and member of numerous local nonprofit organizations, Mr. Scattini was a tremendous model of civic leadership in our community. Robert Scattini loved everything about San Benito County, and his devotion to the people on the central coast of California reflects the genuine nature of a man who deeply cared for his community, family and the United States of America. As we look back on the life of Robert Scattini, we know that his spirit, love, and dedication to public service provide us with the motivation to continue his great on the Central Coast. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the life of Mr. Robert Scattini.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Salud Para La Gente. Since 1978, Salud Para La Gente has provided comprehensive primary healthcare to low income community members of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. This non-profit healthcare provider is dedicated to the values of service, dignity and equity. Salud Para La Gente provides excellent care by ensuring that patients are treated with respect, regardless of income. The organization started with a single free clinic, offering care primarily to farmworkers on the central coast of California. Since then, it has expanded to 11 clinic sites with over 90 providers serving nearly 27,000 patients. Salud Para La Gente provides wide-ranging services including family health, reproductive health, pediatrics, dental, vision, wellness, counseling, and other types of specialty services. California's Central Coast produces much of our country's fruits and vegetables but suffers from poor health among its working community. Salud Para La Gente has tackled this problem by focusing on issues including poor nutrition, obesity and diabetes to ensure that farmworkers and other low-income families on the Central Coast can lead healthy lives. The clinics of Salud Para La Gente work under the motto, ``even if you are unable to pay, you will not be turned away.'' This ensures that the most vulnerable residents of the Central Coast can receive quality healthcare. Salud Para La Gente focuses on all facets of care including testing, treatment, prevention and long-term treatment. I am also proud to recognize Salud Para La Gente as an exemplary women's healthcare provider. Their clinics in Santa Cruz County include family planning, pregnancy care, childbirth and breast cancer screening. With their two women's healthcare offices, Salud Para La Gente has reached many milestones. For example, in 2016, they established the first Santa Cruz County OBGYN Hospitalist Team, which provides around-the-clock care at Watsonville Community Hospital. Through this program, the team delivers roughly 90 newborn babies each month to low-income families. Salud Para La Gente is more than just a health care provider. From assisting patients with applying for CalFresh to providing mental health support and healthy diet counseling, it is a pillar of community well-being. Having made such incredible progress from their first free clinic in 1978, I am honored to recognize Salud Para La Gente and its important contributions to the health of residents on the Central Coast of California over the past 40 years. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking Salud Para La Gente for 40 years of service to our underserved communities.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of a beloved member of our community on the central coast of California, Mr. Randy Randazzo. Mr. Randazzo made a career out of service and fostered an environment of collectiveness and compassion in his tight-knit community of Carmel Valley, California. His presence in the community cannot be replaced, and his contributions will live on for generations to come. Randy Randazzo's served not only his community in Carmel Valley, but also his country. As a Marine during World War II, Mr. Randazzo heroically served in the Bougainville campaign in the Solomon Islands. He served on the fleet that facilitated the Japanese surrender, signaling the close of World War II. Upon returning to Carmel Valley, Mr. Randazzo's turned to his community. He and his wife, Charlene, owned and operated the local market in Carmel Valley Village, a centric cornerstone for the community. Randy was also active in the Kiwanis, where he worked to empower youth to change the world by investing in their futures. Among his many achievements, Mr. Randazzo was awarded the Carmel Valley's Good Egg Award for Citizen of the Year twice for his unfailingly generous reputation in the community. Additionally, he was recognized by the Carmel Historical Society for his contributions in organizing and establishing the Carmel Valley Community Center. Many called Mr. Randazzo the unofficial mayor of Carmel Valley, a tribute to his invaluable and irreplaceable leadership. I am immensely grateful for Mr. Randy Randazzo's distinguished service to the people of the United States and the residents of the central coast of California. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Mr. Randy Randazzo's distinguished career, outstanding citizenship, and immense contributions to both Carmel Valley and the United States of America.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the retiring Superintendent-President of Hartnell Community College District, Dr. Willard Lewallen, for his career in higher education and commitment to serving the people of the central coast of California. His leadership has touched the lives of many, and I am honored to acknowledge his legacy today in the House of Representatives. Throughout his seven years in his role as Superintendent-President, Dr. Lewallen has remained committed to a philosophy of ``students first.'' He has set an inspiring example for Hartnell College employees and its supporters, leading initiatives and partnerships that have yielded tremendous success and strengthened Hartnell and the entire Salinas Valley. The continual growth and development of the college itself is due in large part to Dr. Lewallen's investment of time and expertise into improvement of campus programs and facilities. Dr. Lewallen's record of service to Hartnell and the Salinas Valley has certainly left a lasting impact on the City of Salinas and the Monterey Peninsula. Student success has been a priority of Dr. Lewallen throughout his time at Hartnell and is reflected by an overwhelming increase in completion of degrees and certificates. The number of students pursuing four-year degrees has also risen during Dr. Lewallen's tenure, preparing these students to transfer to the California State University and University of California systems to complete their degrees. Dr. Lewallen has left an indelible mark on the central coast with Hartnell's recently developed partnerships with California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Dr. Lewallen helped initiate programs like the CSin3 program, which allows students to complete a B.S. in computer science in three years, and the Teacher Transfer Pathway program, which enables students to begin at Hartnell and continue seamlessly at CSUMB and earn a teaching certificate within five years. Growth and development have been remarkable under the leadership of Dr. Lewallen and has impacted faculty and staff in constructive ways. The steady increase in the number of employees and full-time faculty and has been paired with substantial investments made in future construction sites within the Hartnell College system. Dr. Lewallen has helped to secure funding for the construction of new Hartnell education outreach centers in Soledad and Castroville, a state-of-the-art nursing and health sciences building on the Main Campus in Salinas. He has also overseen efforts to refurbish classroom buildings on the Main Campus and the transformation of the Central Plaza. As Dr. Lewallen celebrates his retirement, I am proud to commend him on his invaluable work as a higher education leader. On behalf of residents across the Central Coast, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Willard Lewallen for his service and wishing him a long and healthy retirement.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Louise Maude Beaton, an individual who gave more than half a century of diligent volunteer service to American veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Fresno County, California. Beginning in 1963 and until her passing in May of 2019, Ms. Beaton devoted her life to serving as a volunteer to better the lives of the veterans in her community. Initially working as a switchboard operator for the Medical Center, she extended the scope of her work considerably over the next five decades. Eventually, she became an indispensable part of the hospital's operations, taking on positions in nearly every department. Ms. Beaton applied herself to her volunteer positions with an admirable degree of consistency, dedication, and altruistic spirit, culminating in her completion of 55,617 hours of volunteer work. Now, Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the legacy of Louise Beaton. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring her, her tireless work, and her incredible contributions to the health and wellbeing of our veterans.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Todd W. Lyons for his thirty years of honorable service to our country and congratulate him on his retirement from the United States Marine Corps. Col. Lyons was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1989. He graduated with honors from the Field Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses, and in 1994 he returned to serve as a Fire Support Instructor. After his subsequent assignment, he was selected to attend the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a master's degree in National Security Affairs. Col. Lyons was selected for duty as a Marine Attache in 2000, studying Arabic at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, DC. Col. Lyons then served as an Attache in Qatar, Israel, and Oman, where he led strategic planning teams to further national security objectives. After his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in 2005, Col. Lyons was selected to attend the Israeli National Defense College where he graduated with honors. In 2008, Col. Lyons deployed to Iraq as an Engagements Officer where he was a key figure in coordinating allies to secure the transfer of Anbar Province back to Iraqi control. In 2014 he returned to the Defense Attache Service and served as the Chief of Operations until 2016, where he directed operations in crisis regions throughout the world. Col. Lyons is currently the Senior Marine Representative at the Naval Postgraduate school, where he teaches Innovation Leadership and is widely respected as a professor and mentor of our next generation of military leaders. In his role as the Associate Dean of Research, Col. Lyons employs an interdisciplinary approach by connecting academic researchers with military practitioners. Col. Lyons' personal decorations emphasize his efforts and unwavering dedication to serving our country. They include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold stars. Col. Lyons has received two Department of State Superior Honor Awards for his esteemed work as an Attache, one for his work in Israel during the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and another for his work in Oman between 2011 and 2014. Col. Lyon's distinguished career of military service is nothing short of an inspiration, and his legacy of teaching and leadership will undoubtedly live on through our future generations of service members. He embodies dedication and service, and the central coast of California has benefitted greatly from his presence. I whole-heartedly wish Col. Lyons, his wife Kristiana and their three daughters, Grace, Eleanor and Jordan the best during his retirement. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in thanking Colonel Todd W. Lyons for his honorable service to our nation and congratulating him on his well- deserved retirement.