Jimmy Panetta

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I recognize today the life of Catholic Bishop Richard Garcia who recently passed at the age of 71. Although his loss was after a very short battle with Alzheimer's, Bishop Garcia lived a long life filled with God and God's children. His parents were immigrants from Mexico who wanted to give their children a better life. That American Dream was fulfilled when Bishop Garcia became a priest in 1973, and, fortunately for me and my constituents, in 2006 he was then named the bishop for the Monterey Diocese. When Bishop Garcia would see you, he would grab you, he would hug you, and he wouldn't look through you, but he would look at you. It was at that point that you would feel his love and his divine spirit for every man. Bishop Garcia welcomed everyone who entered his church, but also those who entered this country. He didn't care just about people, but also the future of this planet. A quote by another eminent priest from the central coast of California, Saint Junipero Serra, was: ``Always to go forward and never to turn back.'' As we look back on the life of Richard Garcia, we know that his spirit, his love, and his guidance provides us with the divinity to always go forward.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the life and legacy of Charles Page, a true public servant who considered himself so blessed that he went by the nickname of Mr. Lucky. But it goes without saying that all of us benefited from Charlie's generosity and willingness to give back to the place that we call home. He came to the Monterey Peninsula as a young airman assigned to the Defense Language Institute. He stayed there, built his life there, and continued to serve there as a two-term city councilman, as the president of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Government, and as the founder of the Monterey County Legal Aid Society, as well as the founder of the Monterey Peninsula College Foundation. Charlie understood the value of junior colleges, not just for students, but for the entire community. He inspired people to get involved, including myself. I will never forget when I received a phone call out of the blue asking me when I was going to get involved, when I was going to serve. I believe that that call sparked the beginning of my career in service. Mr. Speaker, for that and all of his contributions to our community and country, I recognize Charlie Page, for we are all blessed and lucky to know him.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ed Boutonnet for receiving the Grower Shipper Association's esteemed E.E. Harden Award for Lifetime Achievement in Central Coast Agriculture. Mr. Boutonnet's hard work and dedication to crop science, agricultural leadership, education, shipping, and growing has had an immeasurable impact on California's agricultural community and economy. Mr. Boutonnet's education is extensive, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop Science from California State Polytechnic College, San Luis Obispo and a Master of Science in Vegetable Crops and Soil Science from Cornell University. He was also a Kellogg Fellow in the California Agricultural Leadership Program of the Agricultural Education Foundation for which he was presented the Award of Excellence for generosity and commitment to the program. Mr. Boutonnet's extensive work in agriculture earned him a reputation as a pillar of the Central Coast agricultural industry. He joined Ocean Mist Farms of Castroville, California in 1970 where he served as president and CEO from 1990 to 2015. During his tenure, Mr. Boutonnet transformed the company from a local artichoke, broccoli, and brussels sprout farm to one of the top growers and distributors in North America. As the Member of Congress representing the ``Salad Bowl of the World,'' I realize the great importance of Mr. Boutonnet's work. I am honored to recognize his many achievements that continue to advance and shape the agricultural industry. Besides his service as the CEO of Ocean Mist Farms, Mr. Boutonnet has served as a board member for a number of different local agricultural and environmental organizations, including the Monterey County Agricultural and Historical Land Conservancy, Inc., the California Artichoke Advisory Board, and the Grower Shipper Association of Central California. In addition, he is currently on the board of the Cal Poly College of Agriculture's Dean Advisory Council and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation. Mr. Boutonnet's long list of accomplishments and service to the agricultural community are proof that he is a deserving recipient of the E.E. Harden Award. Since the 1960's, he has devoted his life and career to developing the agricultural industry on the central coast of California and expanding its reach across North America. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mr. Boutonnet's exemplary work in the agricultural sector, and I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating him on receiving the E.E. Harden Award for Lifetime Achievement in Central Coast Agriculture.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I cannot support H.R. 4760, and I cannot support this rule, obviously, for a number of reasons that we heard here today, but I would like to highlight two. This bill does not provide the DACA fix that our Dreamers deserve. Personally, I have nearly 20,000 Dreamers in my district in California. I have met with many of them numerous times at their work and at their jobs. Although they were brought here through no fault of their own, these kids want to stay here; they want to live here; and, most important, they want to contribute here. They don't want this given to them. They are willing to earn it. Unfortunately, this bill does not give them that chance. And that is why I cannot support it. Also, in my district, we lay claim to being the salad bowl of the world. Our agriculture industry is due to our farmworkers. Now, I appreciate that this bill addresses ag labor, and the added amendments have tried to make it better, but it is just not enough. This bill hurts our communities. Why? Because our ag workers are not just an important part of our ag industry, they are an integral part to our communities. Some of these people have been here 5, 10, 15, 20 years. They have spouses; they have kids; and they have families.

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, because of the important role that they will play, and because of the lack of any information on what this can do for these ag workers, I am against the resolution.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John William Robrock for his lifelong dedication to art education and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement. Mr. Robrock began his teaching career in 1979 and has taught in California, South Dakota, and Wyoming. He has spent the last eighteen years in my district at San Benito High School. Throughout his career, Mr. Robrock inspired countless young students to explore their creative abilities and pursue their artistic goals. With his support and guidance, Mr. Robrock's students have earned thousands of dollars in scholarships as well as trips to Washington, D.C. and Japan to present their work. Since 1989, his students have participated in the Congressional District Art Competition, five of which won first place awards and displayed their artwork at the U.S. Capitol. This year I was honored to award first place in the Congressional Art Competition for Congressional District 20 to one of his students. Mr. Robrock has a great ability to inspire and motivate his students in their artistic endeavors. Mr. Robrock has maintained a lifelong commitment to artistic explorations in a wide variety of mediums. This is apparent in his dedication to the art of comic books, and he has even traveled internationally to spread the appreciation of this art form. Moreover, Mr. Robrock maintains a deep love of classical music and opera, and was even willing to stand-in last minute for the University of Wyoming's marching band. As a teacher, Mr. Robrock has coached students in performing arts who went on to win statewide theater competitions. He has also designed parade floats in the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade and banners for the San Benito Writers Group in the Saddle Horse Association of San Benito parade. Mr. Robrock has dedicated his life to the proliferation of the arts. His four decades of teaching countless college and high school students--both inside and outside my district--are a testament to his dedication to ensuring younger generations appreciate all art has to offer. His awards, both personal and those of his students, are too numerous to list in full. It is the tireless dedication of art connoisseurs and instructors like Mr. Robrock that ensure our country continues to rightfully treasure the arts. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to add my name to the recognition of John Robrock's accomplishments and passion for the arts. I wish him the best in his retirement and future endeavors and encourage all of my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating and appreciating Mr. Robrock's four decades of public service.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colonel Phillip J. Deppert for his 28 years of military service and congratulate him on his retirement. COL Deppert assumed command of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) in Monterey, California in 2015 and has served this post and our community with distinction. COL Deppert's accomplished career is an inspiration, and I am honored to recognize his service to our country and our community on the central coast of California. COL Deppert entered active duty in 1990 with the 82d Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1994, he transferred to the Military Intelligence Corps and served in the Republic of Korea as a Battalion Intelligence Officer and in the United States (1995-1998) as the Group Military Intelligence Detachment Commander and Group Senior Intelligence Officer. During this time, COL Deppert took part in numerous Special Operations assignments where he supported the Geographic Combatant Commanders' worldwide contingency planning tasks. COL Deppert then completed Command and General Staff College and served as the chief, Division Analysis and Control Element, and Military Intelligence Battalion Operations Officer for the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division (2003-2005). During this time, COL Deppert served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was then transferred to U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters where he served as the Special Operations Branch Chief and as the first Director of Intelligence for the U.S. Special Operations Command Interagency Task Force. COL Deppert then became the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division Senior Intelligence Officer when he served in Iraq during Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. After an assignment as the Deputy Mission manager in Mexico, COL Deppert earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. COL Deppert then served as the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force North before coming to the Monterey Bay and assuming command of DLIFLC. During his tenure at DLIFLC, COL Deppert was diligent in strengthening relationships between the Army and the community stakeholders that surround DLIFLC. COL Deppert has inspired those around him, including his wife and family, who have steadfastly supported his service in our nation's armed forces. COL Deppert and his family embody the principle of selfless service to a higher calling, and set an example for us all. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating COL Deppert on his well-earned retirement and thanking him for his many years of dedicated service to our country. My district is fortunate to have had the Deppert family working and residing in the Monterey Bay area, and I am delighted that they will remain on the Central Coast after COL Deppert's retirement.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul Hamrick, Monterey County's 2018 Spelling Bee champion and two-time Scripps National Spelling Bee contestant. Last year, Paul finished in 35th place, but this year, and just last week, out of over 500 spellers from all 50 States, Paul finished the Bee tied for seventh, the best finish ever for a Monterey County student. Now, in a lot of ways, Paul is a normal 14-year-old from the central coast of California. He loves Weird Al Yankovic, the movie ``Black Panther,'' and he even likes to bowl. But Paul is the only Monterey County student to ever make the evening finals at the National Spelling Bee. Paul's proud father, Tom, said that Paul studied over 50,000 words this year. That number is incredibly impressive because, according to a 2016 study, the typical English-speaking 20-year-old American only knows 42,000 words. During last Thursday's Scripps National Spelling Bee, Paul confidently spelled words that most people couldn't even pronounce, like ``soubresaut'' and ``binnacle'' and ``rubricate,'' an impressive run and finish for a very intelligent young man. Congratulations, Paul. You should be proud of your hard work because, from the central coast of California to right here in the U.S. Congress, we are proud of you.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. We have got to realize that one in six adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. However, only 43 percent of them receive any sort of treatment. I saw this firsthand as a prosecutor, as many, not all, but many men, women, and even juveniles were behind bars because of a mental illness. Unfortunately, due to the cutbacks in funding and the legislature's cutting back on sentences, many failed to receive the proper treatment, and what we had was a revolving door where we no longer could rely on the criminal justice system to house and treat those with mental illnesses. Fortunately, in my district on the Central Coast of California, we have many organizations that realize this and attempt to provide proper services, including Interim, Parent's Place, and the Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties Behavioral Health Departments. So now it is Congress' time to play their part. We, on the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, are committed to ensuring accessible mental treatment. Good mental health this month and every month for all ages of life and all walks of life contribute to the overall health of our communities, and that is why we should continue to work to fund and provide mental health services throughout our country.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Kerstin Wasson, the research coordinator to the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of the many environmental crown jewels in my district on the central coast of California. This week, Dr. Wasson received the 2018 National Wetlands Award for Science Research. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Wasson's extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our Nation's wetlands. For more than 18 years, Dr. Wasson has distinguished herself as a researcher, conservationist, and mentor at the Elkhorn Slough. It is a great fit for her as it is one of California's few remaining coastal wetlands and a valuable, ecological asset to our community and, I believe, our country. The Elkhorn Slough reserve manager, Dave Feliz, said Dr. Wasson is a secret weapon to protect our Nation's estuaries. She has been instrumental in informing coastal decisionmakers and implementing initiatives that protect the Elkhorn Slough. I thank Dr. Wasson, a wetland hero, for her work and congratulate her for this honor.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I recognize National Police Week; however, every day I am aware that officers protect and serve, put their lives on the line each day they serve, and some give their lives for that service. I also recognize what officers realize, that their sacrifice and service is for everybody: people they know and don't know, and people who love them and people who hate them. That is a big part of why our officers should be recognized, because no matter who it is, no matter what the danger is, police are trained to and police do what we naturally don't do as civilians: they run towards the danger, not away from it. As a former prosecutor, I worked with many law enforcement officers that I will never forget. More importantly, there are victims and victims' family members who will never forget the service of police, including the family of Azahel Cruz, a 6-year-old that was killed in a drive-by shooting. The case went unsolved for 5 years; however, due to the dogged determination of Officer Tom Larkin and DA Investigator Peter Austin, witnesses were found, evidence was presented, I proved the case at trial, and a murderer was convicted and removed from the streets for good. Police work will never replace the life of Azahel, but that service and the service and sacrifice of our officers is exactly why we recognize our police officers this week.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Congregational Church of Soquel. Established in May of 1868, the Congregational Church of Soquel has built a legacy of providing a safe and supportive environment for many of my constituents in the 20th Congressional District of California. The church has a history of service and sanctuary, while actively engaging in acts of compassion, justice, and a sense of responsibility. The Congregational Church of Soquel--also known as the Little White Church in the Vale--has served as a pillar of the Soquel community since it was first organized by Joshua and Narcissa Parrish in 1868. The Church, both as a brick-and-mortar institution and as a family, persevered through many adversities while maintaining a sense of service to the community. The Church has repeatedly served as a shelter and temporary fire station during natural disasters. Even through the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake which devastated much of our community, the Church remained indomitable. The Church not only provides opportunities for satisfying spiritual needs, but also works to provide tangible solutions to community needs, including hunger and homelessness. Currently, the Church fulfills its mission of addressing food insecurity and homelessness through its partnership with many crucial organizations in my district such as Meals on Wheels, the Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Homeless Services Center. In addition, the church also partners with The Great Chili Cook-Off, which supports the Mid-County Homeless Coalition-- Shower Trailer Program. Through these partnerships, local organizations can ensure that many of those in need are provided with emergency food and housing. The Church not only looks for opportunities to help within our community, but also beyond our country's borders. The Church continues to address food insecurity internationally through its work with the Panamerican Institute in Tijuana, Mexico. There, the Church provides food baskets for families of the Institute and motivates both youth and adults to make improvements in schools and homes in the area. In addition to the church's service in Mexico, they also participate in Solehope, which provides shoes to children in Uganda. In Kenya, the church supports Happy Life Children's Home, which helps to find homes for abandoned children. These missions and services that the church participates in locally and globally show their dedication to uplifting communities. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the dedication and commitment to compassion and justice that the Congregational Church of Soquel provides to the 20th Congressional District. We are fortunate to have an institution like the Congregational Church of Soquel call the central coast of California home. I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Congregational Church of Soquel.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Chair, as I have told you, it is an absolute honor to serve on the Committee on Agriculture, under the leadership of the chairman as well as the ranking member. There is no doubt about that. But I mainly say that based on the work that this committee does, the work that this committee does to serve those in agriculture and what that service can do for the backbone industry of our country. However, as a Representative on this committee and as a Representative of the salad bowl of the world on the central coast of California, my country and, yes, my community expected more out of this farm bill. Look, in my area, with its flourishing specialty crop industry, we wanted more funding for the specialty crop research initiative. Because of our specialty crops, we have a labor shortage because of the people who are needed to pick those crops. Therefore, we needed stronger language in the bill for mechanization to help with our labor issues and to bridge that gap from the Salinas Valley into the Silicon Valley. With our burgeoning organic industry, we needed more funding and less cuts for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program so that we can properly invest in beginning producers. In addition to this, the majority is trying to implement an untested and unproven change to title IV of the SNAP provision. Such a change threatens to remove over a million people from the program and deeply affects the 74,000 people who are recipients of SNAP living and working in my community. We can do better by our farmers. We can do better by the families across our country by getting back to our bipartisan roots. That is how we help our agriculture. That is how we help our country.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of an organization that displays the unique artistic virtue of my district. The Santa Cruz Symphony has served my district on the central coast of California by promoting, fostering, and furthering musical cultural enrichment, appreciation, and innovation. This year the Santa Cruz Symphony is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary. Since its founding in 1958, the Santa Cruz Symphony has fostered the musical arts by organizing thousands of concerts, community events and productions over the years. The Santa Cruz Symphony has helped children in Santa Cruz County with their youth education program. Since 1996, this program has engaged elementary school students throughout the county by coordinating year- long classical music listening programs, providing musicians who attend classrooms to discuss and demonstrate their instruments, and hosting free youth concerts for over 4,000 4th and 5th graders. With a deep commitment to education, The Santa Cruz Symphony has also established the Mueller Scholarship Fund which provides financial assistance to aspiring young musicians. The Santa Cruz Symphony has a greatly talented array of musicians and composers and has hosted many notable concerts. The Symphony takes great pride in working with and being conducted by Maestro Daniel Stewart's remarkable musical genius and artistic talent. During their 60th anniversary season, the symphony's most recent production, Celebration, has generated much acclaim. By featuring renowned soloists like Yuja Wang and promoting the works of living composers, The Santa Cruz Symphony continues to add to the musical richness of our community by delivering outstanding performances. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the dedication and cultural enrichment the Santa Cruz Symphony has provided to the Central Coast, Santa Cruz, and the entire State of California. I ask my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the Santa Cruz Symphony as an indispensable cultural asset of our community.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleagues, Congressman Jim Costa and Congressman Jeff Denham, to celebrate the life of Rick Lester Antle, a pioneer in the Salinas Valley agriculture industry. From the age of 26, Rick was the President and CEO of Tanimura & Antle, one of the largest leafy greens and vegetable producers in the region. Rick always put family first, whether it was his beloved wife, grandchildren, or his own children--two of whom followed in their dad's footsteps to work with the family-run company. The value of family was instilled in Rick, with his business growing out of a long partnership between the Tanimura and Antle families. After being placed in an internment camp during World War II and losing their farmland, the Tanimura family rebuilt their farming operation in the Salinas Valley. Rick's grandfather, Bud Antle, was a prominent shipper and salesman at the time, and formed a natural partnership with the Tanimura family as a supplier. For years, the two families worked together to benefit each other. In 1982, the two families decided to go into business together by forming Tanimura & Antle, with the Tanimura family continuing to tend the land and the Antle family handling the shipping and selling of produce. Following the lead of his father and grandfather, Rick worked to keep family at the heart of T&A's mission. He saw his employees at T&A as family and always worked to put them first, investing time and money into making their lives better. When Rick realized his employees were having a difficult time affording housing in the Salinas Valley, he established an initiative in Spreckels, California to provide housing for 800 T&A employees. This project set the gold standard for farmworker housing and highlights the level of care Rick had for his workers. Following the establishment of the Spreckels Crossing housing project, Rick transitioned his company to offer an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, allowing T&A employees to own a stake in the company. Rick recognized that the success of his business was due to his dedicated employees, and believed everyone should benefit from this shared achievement. In addition to investing in his employees, Rick was on the forefront of advancing specialty crop innovation. From developing machines that reduce production inputs to implementing entire growing systems focused on conservation, Rick's commitment to good stewardship of land, air, and water was reflected in his practices. Under his leadership, T&A has continuously shown how and why investments in agriculture technology are necessary. We each have benefitted from personally knowing Rick. As members of Congress, he helped us improve our understanding of the California agriculture industry and those who work in it. He always made a point to stress the value of the farming communities in our districts. After all, they were his family. Rick's leadership in the Salinas Valley has transformed the region, further establishing the area as the ``Salad Bowl of the World,'' and his legacy will continue to propel this industry forward. A true giant in both personality and professional impact, Rick's presence in our community will be profoundly missed.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital on its 65th anniversary. In 1941 Bruce Church, a local businessman and philanthropist, had a vision to build a hospital for the people of Salinas. He donated land to the project and twelve years later his vision became a reality. In recognition of this philanthropic endeavor, President Dwight D. Eisenhower sent Mr. Church a letter congratulating him which read, ``The people of the Salinas Valley have every right to be proud of this admirable example of local self-reliance and initiative.'' On April 20, 1953, the 138-bed hospital triumphantly opened its doors, supported by one-hundred employees and forty-five physicians. The hospital's founders envisioned a technologically advanced hospital of the highest quality to serve the residents of the Salinas Valley. Salinas Valley Memorial has lived up to the founders' vision in providing state of the art health care services. Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital has grown to hold 266 beds and employs 1,600 people and 300 board certified physicians with a myriad of specialties. The hospital's successful medical research and use of revolutionary health care technology has been facilitated by its bold partnerships with both local organizations and leading global institutions for science and medicine, such as NASA and Stanford University. Salinas Valley Memorial provides comprehensive health care and offers patients a variety of specialty care by working with partners to address important health issues like diabetes, obesity, and cancer. This hospital's dedication to expanding health care into underserved communities has fostered increased education and wellness, allowing the diverse citizenry to make permanent lifestyle choices for a healthy community. I am honored to recognize the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and the many contributions it has made to the Central Coast of California. It has bolstered and encouraged the health and well-being of our community throughout the last sixty-five years. Through investing in the latest medical technologies, conducting clinical research, and providing education to the community, this hospital has, from its inception, played an invaluable role in the lives of the residents of the Salinas Valley. We continue to be proud of the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and everyone who has been involved in its extraordinary work and mission over the last sixty-five years. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the house join me in congratulating the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital for a triumphant sixty-five years of excellence.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Day of Silence, a day of silence to bring attention to the discrimination and harassment faced by our LGBT youth across our country. Eight out of ten LGBT students are harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity by the time they graduate from high school, students like Annie Hsu, at Santa Cruz High School in my district on the central coast of California, who has said that ``we must be unafraid to stand up against marginalization.'' This month, those of us on the LGBT Equality Caucus took that stand by introducing the Student Non-Discrimination Act. This bill would prohibit discrimination in public schools based on actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, and it would protect students from the intimidation and violence they may receive. By standing up and speaking out, Annie and other LGBT students give us motivation to push forward and pass laws that will protect every student in every school across every community so that they are not afraid to be themselves.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my good friends and colleagues Mr. Denham and Mr. Costa, to recognize somebody, as you can tell, who clearly impacted not just the lives of the three of us but the lives of many people on the Central Coast of California, the Central Valley of California, and across this Nation. Today we obviously commemorate, we celebrate, Rick Antle and what he has done for the Salinas Valley agriculture industry and what he and his family at T&A did to claim that area as the Salad Bowl of the World. Let me tell you, he did it through innovation, and he did it through ingenuity, in dealing with the specialty crops and the technology and practices that are needed in order to grow those types of crops. He was on the forefront of innovation when it came to precision farming, from growing hydroponic lettuce to plant tape, to a Robovator. The farming at T&A used less water and less pesticides, and that led to less harm to our environment. Yet they still continued to grow a vast amount of vegetables. I can tell you it wasn't just his investments in innovation that set Rick apart; it was his ingenuity and foresight that inspired him to implement standards to protect our community, our environment, to invest in making his employees' lives better, and to strive to impact policies that would improve the agricultural industry. Rick clearly was a steward of our environment, from T&A's packaging and energy use, to maintaining soil health, to monitoring water usage. T&A was dedicated to ensuring long-term sustainability to benefit our community, our planet, and yes, our next generation. Rick was committed to making his employees' lives better, from providing that state-of-the-art housing that my colleagues mentioned to offering employees stock options so that they could be a part of that company, they could have a stake in that company. Yes, Rick was always a tireless advocate for the agriculture industry. We definitely valued his voice and his advice. And I can tell you, like I said, it wasn't just us but clearly his family that he influenced. I will never forget his son Brian talking about the best piece of advice that he got from Rick. It was when he was in high school. Rick was getting him out in the fields. And Rick's advice to Brian was: Look, the best fertilizer a farmer can have is his farmer's own shadow. Being there, showing up. That is what Rick did. As you can see, Mr. Speaker, Rick was and he is a legend, not just on the Central Coast, not just in the Central Valley, but in the agricultural community. Carrie and I will miss him, and we know that his spirit will continue to be felt, not just in the Salad Bowl of the World but in all of our worlds.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Chairman, I thank Ranking Member DeFazio and Chairman Shuster. Our families have some history, but I also appreciate your friendship and leadership on this issue. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 4. My amendment will ensure that the FAA studies alternative ways to measure sound over a period of time, such as actual noise sampling, to properly capture the experience of those on the ground. I offer this amendment for my constituents in Carmel Valley to Capitola to Santa Cruz. Those are people who lived in communities that were once quiet until the FAA NextGen changed the routes over their houses back in 2015. Their health, their sleep, their pets, their well- being were all affected by the sound of jet engines, air brakes, and landing gear. I appreciate the work that FAA has done to get us close to quieter skies in my community, as well as the Select Committee on these issues and their work with the FAA. However, like many Members who have districts who have faced these types of airplane noise concerns, I believe that the existing day-night level 65-decibel standard is out of date, out of touch, and inadequate to measure the amount of sound pollution impacting our communities. My amendment would ensure not just alternative ways, but proper ways to study noise sampling. I appreciate the committee for including this amendment en bloc.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the passing of Rick Antle, an absolute legend of the agriculture industry in our Salinas Valley and all across our great Nation. Rick was the president and CEO of the produce giant, Tanimura & Antle. T&A's success was due to Rick's and his family's stewardship of the environment, as well as his employees. For the farmworkers, who he called the backbone of his business, he provided state-of-the-art healthcare and housing, and invited all of his employees to join a stock option program so that they could become owners of the company. The way he ran T&A was a testament to his caring personality and his political philosophy. Yet, for Rick, nothing was more important than family. A beloved son, a devoted husband and soulmate to his wife, Tonya, a doting grandfather, and a dedicated father, Rick's love for his family, generosity to his employees, and contributions to the agriculture community and to our community will never be forgotten. That is why I will never forget his son, Brian, recounting the best piece of advice Rick ever gave him, which was that ``the best fertilizer a farmer can ever use is his shadow.'' To me, that philosophy sums up Rick and the Antle family, and that is why he will always be there, and that is why Rick Antle will always be with us.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of California at Santa Cruz Banana Slugs, specifically, their rocket team, the so-called Rocket Slugs, for not only being selected to compete in NASA's elite Student Launch Week, but for medaling in the Best Rocket Fair Display. The annual competition in Huntsville, Alabama, allows students to research and develop projects related to NASA's Space Launch System. That is America's deep space exploration rocket that is built to return astronauts to the Moon and possibly even send them to Mars. Their work is a testament to UC Santa Cruz and team cocaptains Kent Roberts and Zafar Rustamkulov. These students pushed the limits of design and engineering, pushed themselves through trial and error, and proved that they can push their dreams to the Moon and beyond.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Santa Cruz Yacht Club as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. For 90 years, the Santa Cruz Yacht Club has dedicated itself to the enrichment of our community by supporting yachting and sailing. The Santa Cruz Yacht Club was established in 1928 by local businessmen Bruce Sharp, Charlie Towne, and Sam Leask Jr. Despite low membership and meager availability for meeting venues in the yacht's early years, the club persisted and soon held their first sponsored race from Long Beach to San Francisco. Over the next 20 years, the Santa Cruz Yacht Club grew into a community institution. In 1938, they began hosting the premier local sailing event, the Windjammers Race, which remains popular today. In the 1970s, the Santa Cruz Yacht Club was at the forefront of the ultra light displacement boat (ULDB) movement, which revolutionized yacht racing. In the late 1970s, Santa Cruz Yacht Club member Bill Lee's ULDB Merlin shattered the Trans Pacific Race record, signaling to the rest of the world that Santa Cruz ULDBs could compete at the highest level. Merlin held that record for 20 years. To this day, the Santa Cruz Yacht Club hosts numerous local, regional, national, and international regattas. The Santa Cruz Yacht Club also serves the community by providing a variety of sailing programs and scholastic programs for students of all ages. Additionally, the club offers educational materials on accident prevention and promotes environmentally friendly practices to ensure a clean environment for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize the Santa Cruz Yacht Club for their service to the central coast of California.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, as a Representative of the salad bowl of the world, the 20th Congressional District in California, I commemorate and celebrate National Ag Day. In my district, the number one industry is agriculture, yes, because of the fertile land, but also because of the fearless attitude of farmers and farmworkers, growers, and families and friends of those in agriculture. Having grown up on the central coast, we understand that the key to their success is based on that willingness to take risk. We know that risk-taking attitude is the foundation of our country, but since then, the seed of risk taking has been sown in our culture and spread across our agricultural community. People in agriculture are constantly using that trait to deal with Mother Nature, to overcome government mandates, to transform for the changing market conditions, and to contend with the lack of immigration reform right here in Congress. Nevertheless, with that risk-taking attitude, people in agriculture don't shrink from those challenges; they stand up to them. That is why they not only survive, they succeed. That is why we in Congress shouldn't just recognize people in agriculture today; we should learn from them every day.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and character of a great American on the occasion of his retirement from civilian service with the United States Navy. Peter G. Dausen, or simply Pete as he is known to all, has given his entire adult life to the service of his family and country. He has set a towering example to all of us fortunate to know him. As Pete steps down from the position of Deputy and Technical Director for the Naval Support Activity Monterey, we all know that his influence has reached far beyond the strict confines of the job title. Pete graduated from Kent State University in 1974 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the United States Army. He served in uniform for nearly 30 years as a signals officer with tours of duty across the United States and abroad. He oversaw signals operations in Somalia during the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. He served as a peace keeper in Bosnia. He led soldiers and mentored young officer and NCOs. Along the way he earned two Masters Degrees and graduated from the Army War College, in Strategic Studies. Upon promotion to Colonel, Pete came to the Monterey Peninsula to serve as the Garrison Commander Presidio of Monterey, home of the Defense Language Institute and Ord Military Community. Although at first Pete was reticent to shift from warrior to city manager, he excelled in this last Army command. Upon retirement from active duty at the conclusion of his Garrison Command, Pete transitioned into the civilian position managing the facilities for the Naval Postgraduate School also located in Monterey. This role, which grew into the fully fledged Naval Support Activity Monterey during his tenure, became vital to the success of the military missions located in Monterey. He successfully advocated for new investments in the facilities at the NPS, the Fleet Numerical Meteorological and Oceanographic Center, the Navy Research Lab and the Navy War College. These efforts included helping to secure over $212 million in MilCon funding to update and improve facilities and advance these missions. He was also instrumental in standing up the new RCI housing and strengthening MWR programs for military families. Pete takes particular pride in the new academic fence that rings the public frontage of NPS. Pete has been a tireless advocate of the broader military mission in Monterey. He has played a vital role in the mission of TEAM Monterey, which has been crucial in advancing our national security interests by fostering long-term, positive community relationships between military facilities and public officials. Throughout his career, Pete has been a role model for the men and women who have been lucky enough to serve under him, as exemplified by his recent selection as a recipient of the Superior Civilian Service Award. In honor of his service, I would like to express my gratitude for Peter G. Dausen for his dedication to this country and our community. I wish him all the best and I am sure that he is looking forward to continuing his impressive portfolio of artwork, and spending time with his loving family.

Mr. PANETTA

Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, today, high school students got up from their desks and walked out of their classes to take a stand against gun violence and for school safety. From the east coast of Florida to the central coast of California, students left their classrooms for 17 minutes to remember the 17 lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and to demand that Congress take action on gun violence. Now, today, Mr. Speaker, I commend you. We acted together to pass the STOP School Violence Act for school safety and security, but with all due respect, Mr. Speaker, that is not enough, and it is time we come together to pass commonsense reforms that have broad support across our Nation, from banning bump stocks to repealing the Dickey amendment, to fixing our system of background checks. We all appreciate the emotion and passion by the high school students all across our country, but we realize, as they do, that thoughts and prayers only go so far. So now it is up to Congress to govern not just by crisis, but actually by leadership to make our schools, our communities, and our country safer.