George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John Rucker for his dedication and service to his community. Mr. Rucker passed away at the age of ninety on November 11, 2007 at his home in Sonora, California. Mr. Rucker was born December 15, 1916 in Sacramento, California. He completed courses in medical technology at the Sacramento County Hospital, and was licensed in Medical Radiology Technology. He later introduced the first electrocardiogram in Tuolumne County and upon moving to Sonora in 1948 he established a laboratory at the Columbia Way Hospital. He also helped to create the laboratory and radiological departments at Sonora Hospital and Tuolumne General Hospital. During the 1950's Mr. Rucker helped to establish Sierra Hospital. This is where he met his wife, Patricia. Mr. Rucker was elected to the Board of Directors for Sierra Hospital and was Vice-President until 1980, when the hospital was sold to Sonora Community. Mr. Rucker retired from the medical field in 1982. However, his service did not end there. Mr. Rucker was very involved in many aspects of Tuolumne County, and held numerous elected positions. He was elected to the Sonora City Council in 1986 and again in 1998, serving more than twelve years. He was twice elected by his council colleagues as mayor, serving from 1990 to 1992 and from 1996 to 1998. He was also a member of the Sonora Planning Committee from 1982 to 1986 and was a member of the Sonora Rotary Club, serving as president in 1953 and 1954. Mr. Rucker was heavily involved in the Tuolumne County Republican Central Committee where he served as chairman in 1987. John Rucker is survived by his wife, Patricia Rucker; his brother and sister-in-law, James and Gloria Rucker; sons and daughters-in-law John and Janice Rucker, Daniel and Erika Rucker, and Brian Rucker; and his daughter, Sally Rucker. Madam Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor John Rucker for his leadership and assistance in expanding the horizons for all of Tuolumne County. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring his life and wishing the best for his family.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of Clare and Maryellen Berryhill for their tremendous dedication to promoting agriculture in the Central Valley. The Berryhills are being honored at The Greater Yosemite Council Boy Scouts of America's Annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner on October 24, 2007 in Modesto, CA. Clare Berryhill was born and raised in the Central Valley. He was a third generation farmer and winegrape grower. Mr. Berryhill attended Modesto Junior College and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he majored in agriculture. Clare Berryhill and Maryellen Rossel, of Modesto, were married in 1949. While managing their ranch in Ceres, CA, both became very involved in the community. Mr. Berryhill operated a fruit dehydrating business, and in 1960 he was named Young Farmer in Stanislaus County. He was the first president of the California Winegrape Growers Association. He was also one of many generations in the family to serve on the Ceres Unified School Board of Trustees. During this time Mrs. Berryhill helped to manage the farm, taught music at Denair High School and was involved in the Parent Teacher Association. In 1969, Mr. Berryhill's involvement turned to politics. He was asked to run for the California Assembly and won. His victory was a crucial one and he was even congratulated, in person, by then Governor Ronald Reagan. He served as an Assemblyman from 1969 to 1970. Later, he was elected into office as a California State senator, where in 1976 he successfully authored landmark legislation to establish the annual ``Grape Crush Report''. This is a reporting process that became essential to the economic wellbeing of the winegrape and wine industries. Also, as State senator, he was able to have enough land donated to Modesto Junior College to expand the campus. He served as a State senator from 1972 to 1976. One last service to the California government came after Mr. Berryhill's retirement. He was asked by Governor George Deukmejian to serve as California Director (Secretary) of Agriculture. At the time, California was battling African bees, Mexican fruit flies, gypsy moths, apple maggots and a contamination scare with cheese, watermelons, and grapes. With his previous leadership experience and his knowledge of agriculture, Mr. Berryhill was able to help develop an agriculture policy in California that continues to stand today. Due to his efforts in resolving these problems, he was featured in ``People'' magazine. Mrs. Berryhill and their five children Betsy, Tom, Lynne, Janie, and Bill supported Mr. Berryhill in all of his campaigns. They volunteered by walking precincts, playing musical instruments and traveling throughout the districts in the Berryhill Band Wagon. Mr. and Mrs. Berryhill enjoyed their family, community, politics, art and the land. They traveled between three homes in their retirement: a cattle ranch in Montana, a home in San Carlos, Mexico, and their original ranch in Ceres, California. Clare Berryhill passed away in March of 1996 and Maryellen Berryhill passed away in July of this year. They have left a legacy that is not easily matched. They are survived by their five children, eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I rise today to posthumously honor Clare and Maryellen Berryhill for the impact that they had on agriculture in the Central Valley and the State of California. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring their lives and wishing the best for their family.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor MG (California Retired) Ronald Markarian for his dedicated service to the veterans of Fresno, California. Major General Markarian was born and raised in the Fresno area and graduated from California State University, Fresno. While in college he joined the Army National Guard, where he served for 3 years with the Heavy Mortar Company of the 185th Infantry Regiment. He entered the Air Force upon graduating from college. While in the Air Force, Major General Markarian served in many positions, including a position at the Pentagon, as Chief of Air Reconnaissance Systems and as Director of the USAF Intelligence Reserve Forces. After 30 years of military service, he retired in August 1980 as a colonel. Immediately after retirement, Major General Markarian became a member of the California State Military Reserve and was assigned to the headquarters, State Military Reserve at the California Military Department in Sacramento, where he was eventually appointed Commanding General of the State Military Reserve. In July 1990, he was promoted to Major General. After nearly 46 years of uniformed military service, Major General Markarian retired in October 1995. His service to his community and the veterans did not stop upon his retirement. Major General Markarian has received many awards, including two Legion of Merit awards and the Bronze Star. He has received awards from many military organizations, including the Association of the U.S. Army's National Golden Eagle Award and National Distinguished Service Award, and he was the 2002 recipient of the organization's Anthony Drexel Biddle Award, President's Award. Major General Markarian has also graduated from several military schools and holds a master's degree in public administration from George Washington University. Major General Markarian is active in community affairs and has served in a variety of leadership roles in military, veteran and public service organizations. He served on several State and Federal boards and has been the Director of the United States Selective Service System in California since his appointment in 1987. He was instrumental in founding the Association of the United States Army, AUSA, Chapter 6105 in 1982, and served as the first president of the chapter. He later served two additional terms. In total, he served 15 years as president. During his last presidency, the chapter was designated Best Chapter in AUSA for 7 consecutive years, from 2000 to 2006. He also served as the AUSA sixth region president and an AUSA national trustee. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of MG Ronald Markarian for his tireless service to the military and veteran community. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Major General Markarian many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John and June Rogers upon being named the 2007 Citizens of the Year. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers will be honored on November 11, 2007, at the 59th annual Citizen of the Year dinner in Modesto, CA. John Rogers was born in San Francisco, CA. He graduated from Willamette University in Oregon in 1963 with a bachelors degree in psychology and received his masters degree in counseling and guidance from the University of Colorado, Greeley in 1976. In 1963, Mr. Rogers was commissioned as a rated pilot in the Air Force and attended primary pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, receiving his wings in 1964. While in the Air Force he was stationed around the United States and spent 1 year in South Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force as colonel in 1989 from Travis Air Force Base in California. June Rogers was born and raised in Modesto, CA, and attended Modesto Junior College. She and John met in Modesto and were married, turning her into an Air Force wife as she moved around with him for 26 years. While on base, she volunteered with many organizations; including Family Service Agency, the Red Cross and the military base thrift shop. Mrs. Rogers was also active in the Squadron Wives Organization, the Officer's Wives Club and the Catholic Women of the Chapel. Mrs. Rogers was chosen as one of the Outstanding Women in the Community and honored by Catholic Charities as their Honoree of the Year at the Bishops Celebration of Charities Banquet. Mr. Rogers is the president of the United Samaritans Foundation in Turlock, CA. He continues to fly as a charted pilot and owns an interest in Sky Trek Aviation in Modesto. He contributes and has been honored by numerous organizations; including the Boy and Girl Scouts, various art groups and the Gallo Art Center for the Arts. Upon Mr. Rogers' retirement Mr. and Mrs. Rogers moved back to the Modesto area, and continued to serve their community. Mrs. Rogers serves her church as the communion minister's scheduler, she is active on the Liturgy Committee and has served on many Church committees. Also, she is a member of Catholic Social Services and Catholic Charities. Also adding to their long list of contributions, they founded an organization to assist the needy in their community. The organization serves 45,000 lunches per month. The facility also has showers for the homeless, a clothes closet and a pantry for those in need. The homeless are allowed to use the address and phone number to stay in contact and receive mail. This facility also houses homeless women and children for up to 1 year. They help the family to get their lives back on track, learn employment skills, parenting skills, and budgeting skills. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate John and June Rogers upon being awarded with the 2007 Citizens of the Year Award. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. and Mrs. Rogers many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Central Valley Safety Society for their commitment to serving the Central Valley. The Central Valley Safety Society, CVSS, was created as a non-profit organization in 1996 to provide safety and human resource professionals with a place to exchange ideas and information, for the professional enhancement of members and to recognize those who excel in safety and health. CVSS is based in the Central Valley and is the only group of its kind from Los Angeles to Modesto. The long time organizational members include; Pelco, Rich Products, The Fresno bee, Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District, Fresno County EOC and Clovis Cemetery District. CVSS holds nine monthly luncheon meetings in downtown Fresno. Typically, there are twenty to thirty members present to discuss topics that cover a range issues from Heat Illness Protection, Hazardous Materials and Health and Wellness Programs. The speakers are typically volunteers from the community. Over the past eight years, the organization has partnered with similar organizations in the Fresno area, such as; Ag Safe, Human Recourse Association of Central California, Fresno County Employer Advisory Council and California State University SHRM Student Chapter. CVSS has partnered with these and other organizations to plan and participate in a half-day human resource and safety seminar and it is held annually in October. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Central Valley Safety Society for their commitment to serving the Central Valley. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the organization many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Central Valley Safety Society for their commitment to serving the Central Valley. The Central Valley Safety Society, CVSS, was created as a non-profit organization in 1996 to provide safety and human resource professionals with a place to exchange ideas and information, for the professional enhancement of members and to recognize those who excel in safety and health. CVSS is based in the Central Valley and is the only group of its kind from Los Angeles to Modesto. The long time organizational members include; Pelco, Rich Products, The Fresno Bee, Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District, Fresno County EOC and Clovis Cemetery District. CVSS holds nine monthly luncheon meetings in downtown Fresno. Typically, there are 20 to 30 members present to discuss topics that cover a range issues from Heat Illness Protection, Hazardous Materials and Health and Wellness Programs. The speakers are typically volunteers from the community. Over the past 8 years, the organization has partnered with similar organizations in the Fresno area, such as; Ag Safe, Human Recourse Association of Central California, Fresno County Employer Advisory Council and California State University SHRM Student Chapter. CVSS has partnered with these and other organizations to plan and participate in a half-day human resource and safety seminar and it is held annually in October. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Central Valley Safety Society for their commitment to serving the Central Valley. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the organization many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Victor Davis Hanson upon being honored with the 2007 ``Friend of Israel'' Award. Dr. Hanson is to be honored at the annual dinner for the Republican Jewish Coalition of Central California on November 4, 2007 in Fresno, California. Dr. Hanson grew up as a Central Valley farmer. He graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelors Degree in Classics in 1975. He attended the American School of Classics Studies in 1978 and 1979 and received his Ph.D. in Classics from Stanford University in 1980. He was a full-time farmer on his tree and vine farm before joining the staff at California State University, Fresno in 1984 to initiate a classics program. In 1991, he was awarded an American Philological Association Excellence in Teaching Award. This award is given annually to the country's top undergraduate teachers of Greek and Latin. Victor Davis Hanson has been honored with many achievements and awards. In 1992-1993 he was a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavior Sciences and he was a visiting professor of classics at Stanford University in 1991- 1992. He has been the recipient of the Eric Breindel Award for opinion journalism (2002) and an Alexander Onassis Fellow (2001). Further, Dr. Hanson was named as alumnus of the year for the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2002. From 2002-2003 he was the visiting Shifrin Chair of Military History at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He was honored with the Manhattan Institute's Wriston Lectureship in 2004 and the 2006 Nimitz Lectureship in Military History at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Hanson has authored about 170 articles, book reviews, newspaper editorials and essays that discuss Greek, agrarian, domestic policy, military history and contemporary culture. He has written or edited sixteen books. He has been published by the University of California Press, Routledge, Free Press, Cassell, Doubleday, Encounter and Random House. Dr. Hanson has had editorials published in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, International Herald Tribune, New York Post, National Review and Washington Times along with numerous others. Dr. Hanson has used these different outlets, in his writings and speeches, to place a focus on the importance of Israel, while keeping the priority on the United States. Dr. Hanson has been a champion of the cause to keep Israel in mind with the United State's foreign policy. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Victor Davis Hanson upon being awarded with the 2007 ``Friend of Israel'' Award. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Hanson many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Californian. Larry McCarthy has served as president of the California Taxpayers' Association since 1989, building the association into a powerful force for the taxpayers of the Golden State, and conducting detailed policy research that has helped shaped the laws of my great State. Larry McCarthy has advocated on behalf of taxpaying residents and entrepreneurs as president of the California Tax Foundation and as chairman of the National Taxpayers Conference, a nationwide organization of state taxpayer associations. Larry also was the lead advocate and strategist for two $300 million unemployment insurance tax reductions in the early 1980s and a complete refinance of the California unemployment insurance system in 1985. Larry also played a major role in strengthening the economy, helping businesses prosper and creating new employment opportunities for Californians. As research director of Cal-Tax, he supervised extensive research projects on local government finance in California, winning a national award for research on the use of benefit assessments in California after passage of Proposition 13. Early in his career in California and in Washington State, Larry McCarthy authored publications called Citizens Guide to Local Government Budgeting to help individuals become involved in the complicated budget processes of cities, counties and school districts. Larry's success as the leader of Cal-Tax is reflected by the dedication and devotion of his staff, the majority of whom have served with him for more than 20 years. He has also distinguished himself as a strong family man, dedicated to his wife, Sandy, and their three children, Steven, Michelle and Christine. Madam Speaker, Larry McCarthy is fighting valiantly against cancer, maintaining his sense of humor and drawing upon his strong faith in God to battle the disease. The people of California have been blessed to have Larry McCarthy on their side; we salute him for his dedication to improving California and our Nation, and for his achievements on behalf of the hard-working taxpayers of California. Madam Speaker, I hope you will join me in extending heartfelt thanks to Larry McCarthy for his tremendous contributions to our State and wish him strength during this difficult time.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Del Rio Country Club on celebrating their 60th anniversary in business. A celebration in honor of this achievement is to be held on Saturday, November 3, 2007. The Del Rio Country Club was founded in 1946 by a small group of community leaders. It was shortly after the end of World War II, gas prices were high and esteems were low. The local community leaders took the gently rolling terrain just north of Modesto, California and invited William P. Bell to design the original eighteen holes. In 1996, the course grew. Del Rio was granted permission from the Federal Government to use the 150 acres as a combination of riparian habitat and golf course. Architect Robert Muir Graves was asked to design a second nine hole course, the River Nine. Then in 1998, the course was updated one more time. Architect John Harbottle supervised the reconstruction of all tees, greens and bunkers on William Bell's original layout. Today, the Del Rio Country Club has 2 courses. One course is overlooked by a club house that features the Redwood Dining Room. The Country Club also features tennis courts and other family activities. The course is ranked among the top 20 golf courses in Northern California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Del Rio Country Club on 60 years of business. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Del Rio Country Club many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. James Rowland for his years of service to the criminal justice system in California, and upon the dedication of the James Rowland Crime Victim Assistance Center in Fresno, CA. James Rowland, now retired, has provided over 30 years of service to all aspects of the criminal justice system in California. In October 1972 he began his career as a Fresno County chief probation officer, where he worked hard to give victims the consideration, fairness, and support that he felt was lacking in the system. With these efforts he was instrumental in adapting the way the justice system handles crime victims. In 1975, as a result of Mr. Rowland's efforts, Fresno County Probation Department became the first probation department to open a unit specifically designed to provide services to crime victims; including victims of homicide, domestic violence, and crimes against children. Mr. Rowland developed the first victim impact statement, to provide the judiciary with an objective currently part of the law. After his time with the Fresno County Probation Office, Mr. Rowland served as the director of the California Youth Authority and the director of the California Department of Corrections. He established the Office of Victims of Crimes in both agencies. While working with the state, he instituted classes within the prisons for inmates to attend. In these classes they learned about the impact of their crime on their victim. Mr. Rowland has also taken the initiative to change the justice system within California by developing a system that is more accommodating, appreciative, and responsive to the suffering of those that are victims of a crime. Mr. Rowland's work within California has extended nationwide and even worldwide. He has been the recipient of many prestigious awards from Peppardine University and Harvard University, as well as various criminal justice and private agencies, for his contributions to the field of corrections. Mr. Rowland has become internationally known as a crime victims advocate, and he has changed the way people perceive the victim. In his retirement Mr. Rowland continues to provide direction and assistance to persons and agencies that work within the justice system. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Mr. James Rowland for his work toward crime victims assistance and the dedication of the James Rowland Crime Victims Assistance Center. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Rowland many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize J. Roy Gabriel for his years of distinguished service to the California Farm Bureau Federation. Mr. J. Roy Gabriel passed away, unexpectedly, during a Farm Bureau advocacy trip to Washington, DC the week of October 1st. Roy Gabriel was a native of Fullerton, California. He graduated from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo with a degree in agricultural business management and received a technical certificate in crop production. Mr. Gabriel worked as Assistant Secretary of the California State Senate prior to beginning his career with the California Farm Bureau in 1973. In Mr. Gabriel's 35 years with the California Farm Bureau he worked closely with many government officials, farmers and farm laborers to promote agriculture and to provide a more conducive environment for every one involved. As the Director of Labor Affairs, Mr. Gabriel represented the Farm Bureau on a number of issue areas; including labor policies, workplace rules and housing issues. He was passionate and knowledgeable in all issues related to agriculture business and was involved with many agriculture groups outside of the California Farm Bureau. During the 1980's, Mr. Gabriel, served as the general manager of an organization known as ALFA. This organization assisted immigrant farm workers with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and successfully assisted over 50,000 people in applying for legal immigration status. Governor Pete Wilson appointed Mr. Gabriel to serve as Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Industrial Relations in 1998. However, he returned to the California Farm Bureau after Governor Wilson termed out of office in 1999. Mr. Gabriel was a committed advocate for family farmers and ranchers across the State. He worked both as Director of Labor Affairs for the California Farm Bureau Federation and as Chief Operating Officer of the Farm Employers Labor Service. The Washington, DC trip earlier this month was an advocacy trip in support of Federal immigration reform legislation. He is survived by his wife, Ruth and three adult children; John C. Gabriel, Kristi A. Gabriel and Christopher R. Gabriel. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor posthumously J. Roy Gabriel. I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Gabriel for his extraordinary service and dedication to his community.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3897, the Madera Water Supply Enhancement Act. This legislation authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to participate in the design and construction of the Madera Water Supply Enhancement Project. This important water bank project will help improve water supply in California's San Joaquin Valley, which includes my congressional district. The Project will be located on the over 13,000-acre Madera Ranch, where the soils are ideal for percolating water from the surface to the aquifer for storage. The land is also a valuable habitat for numerous species and contains large sections of the region's native grasslands. Since I first introduced this legislation in early 2006 the water supply needs of the area have only increased. Court decisions and drought have led to an increasing demand on water supply in California. Groundwater pumping is exceeding groundwater recharge by approximately 100,000 acre-feet per year, causing severe groundwater level declines. This water bank, by storing excess water in wet years, will provide a much needed source of water in dry years and facilitate the restoration of groundwater levels over time. The Madera Irrigation District has worked tirelessly to develop this exciting and innovative project that will increase water supply, provide groundwater resource protection, contribute to habitat conservation and have other positive impacts on the severe water supply and reliability problem in the area. The looming water crisis in California demands more feasible water supply projects, such as this water bank. I am encouraged by the authorization of this project and look forward to many more projects to ensure the water supply and quality in California. Companion legislation has been introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein. Hopefully, with the support of the Senate we will see this project come to fruition. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to expand water supply opportunities in Madera and California's San Joaquin Valley.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all of the Top Dog Award recipients from California State University, Fresno. The Top Dog Awards is a great tradition for CSU Fresno. It allows the University to honor alumni that continue to give back to the University. There are three award categories; Distinguished Alumnus Award, Outstanding Alumni Awards and the Arthur Safstrom Service Award. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is the highest honor given to an alumna of the University. The award is based on scholarship, leadership and service to CSU Fresno, the San Joaquin Valley and the State of California. It has been established to provide special recognition to an individual who has distinguished themselves through outstanding achievement during their post-collegiate career. The University President and the Alumni Association present the award. For 2007 the Distinguished Alumnus Award is being awarded to Larry Dickenson, class of 1965. Mr. Dickenson is Boeing Company's Commercial Airplanes Group Senior Vice President of Sales. He was raised in Bakersfield, California and graduated from CSU Fresno with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. From there he has worked with McDonnell Douglas Corporation, Texas Air Corporation and began his career with Boeing in 1986 as the Vice President of Asia/Pacific for the Commercial Airplanes Group. Mr. Dickenson has won major contracts that have helped to assure the launch of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner passenger aircraft. He also helped Boeing consolidate sales of cargo jets in the Pacific Rim market and interest airlines in the company's more efficient new 747-8 jumbo jetliners. Mr. Dickenson was named as one of ``World Trade's 25 Most Influential U.S. Global Visionaries'' in the June 1997 issue of World Trade magazine, and was featured in Investor's Business Daily in the ``Leaders and Success'' column. With all of this success, Mr. Dickenson still finds the time to be active in service to CSU Fresno by serving on several boards, including the National Board of Visitors. The Outstanding Alumni Awards recognizes a CSU Fresno alumna for outstanding accomplishments in their field and to present such alumni to current CSU Fresno students as examples of exceptional achievement. The Alumni Association works in conjunction with the deans of CSU Fresno's eight schools/colleges, as well as the dean of student affairs and the athletic director to identify and select candidates for the awards. This year there are fourteen Outstanding Alumni Awards from the various schools, colleges and divisions. The honorees are: Rod Kraft (class of 1977) from the Athletics Department, football. Mr. Kraft is a family and sports medicine physician, practicing in Fresno. He has assisted CSU Fresno student-athletes for numerous years. Ernest A. Bedrosian (class of 1955), Krikor Y. Bedrosian (class of 1957) and J. Kenneth Bedrosian (class of 1967) from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. The brothers are partners and leaders in the raisin industry. John E. Horstmann (class of 1958) from the Craig School of Business. Mr. Horstmann is president of Horstmann Financial and Insurance Services in Fresno. He has been an agent of New York Life Insurance Company for almost fifty years. James Finley (class of 1974) from the Division of Graduate Studies. Mr. Finley works the U.S. Department of Defense as the deputy undersecretary for acquisition and technology. Larry Powell (class of 1971) from the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. Mr. Powell was elected to the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools is 2006 and has also served on numerous advisory boards for CSU Fresno. Charles ``Frank'' Markarian (class of 1962) from the College of Engineering. Mr. Markarian has worked in assessment and development of advanced technologies for air-launched weapons. He was awarded the U.S. Navy's highest award for civilian service. Dr. Bette Rusk Keltner (class of 1972 and 1974) from the College of Health and Human Services. Dr. Keltner is the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Studies at Georgetown University. Dr. Marlene Dong Wong (class of 1969) from the Henry Madden Library. Dr. Wong is the Director of Crisis Counseling and Intervention Services for the Los Angeles Unified School District and is considered to be an expert on school safety programs. Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel (class of 1972) from the College of Science and Mathematics. Dr. Otomo-Corgel is a former CSU trustee who is a dentist and a UCLA adjunct professor. She serves on the CSU Fresno National Board of Visitors. Steve Magarian (class of 1972 and 1974) from the College of Social Sciences. Mr. Magarian is a former Fresno County sheriff. Gerald Tahajian (class of 1963) from the Division of Student Affairs. Mr. Tahajian was a CSU Fresno student body president and is now a prominent lawyer. The third award, the Arthur Safstrom Service Award, is awarded to an alumna or friend of CSU Fresno who has given outstanding service to the Alumni Association and/or the University. This year the award is presented to Rosellen Kershaw (class of 1947), whose volunteer services and financial support has benefited numerous community organizations, including the University. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate all of the Top Dog Award recipients for their individual contributions. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the honorees many years of continual success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. George L. Piro, in recognition of being awarded the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director's 2007 Award for Excellence. Mr. Piro received this award of special achievement for his actions while assigned as the Team Leader for the sensitive interrogations of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and senior leaders of his regime. Mr. Piro's exemplary actions as team leader of the High Value Detainees Team and as primary interrogator of Saddam Hussein resulted in the successful conduct of extremely sensitive and critical interviews. The results of Mr. Piro's interviews led to the November 6, 2006 conviction for genocide and eventual execution of Saddam Hussein. Mr. Piro's efforts on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation were crucial in determining the extent of Iraq's relationship with Al- Qadea. In addition to his work as a FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Mr. Piro has also been recognized in the past as an exemplary police officer for the City of Ceres, California and as a Criminal Investigator II for Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office. Originally from California's Central Valley, Mr. Piro joined the United States Air Force before beginning his career in law enforcement with the City of Ceres Police Department in 1989. Working his way up the ranks Mr. Piro became a Criminal Investigator II for the Stanislaus County District Attorney's office where he investigated felony cases involving career criminals and was assigned to the Stanislaus County Drug Enforcement Agency. In 1999, Mr. Piro began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. First assigned to the Phoenix, Arizona Field Office, Mr. Piro then became the Team Leader and Lead Interrogator of the Saddam Hussein Interrogation Team in Baghdad, Iraq. Currently, Mr. Piro serves as Supervisor of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Joint Terrorism Task Force in the Washington, DC Field Office. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. George Piro for his outstanding service to our nation and congratulating him on receiving the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director's Award for Excellence.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Doctor Linda Halderman upon being named one of ``The 2007 Women of Distinction'' by The Fresno County and City Republican Women Federated. Doctor Linda Halderman graduated with honors and high distinction from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1991. She then continued to Hahnemann University School of Medicine, where she received an MD degree in 1997 and academic honors in the following areas: CT surgery, CT surgery subinternship, critical care/SICU, general surgery, surgery research, psychopathology, clinical medicine, obstetrician/ gynecologist, pediatrics, family medicine, psychiatry and pathology. Doctor Halderman started her general surgery residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and completed her residency at University of California, San Francisco in Fresno, CA. In her career Doctor Halderman has focused on serving those that live in underserved rural areas of California. For a year she practiced general and trauma surgery coverage in the underserved communities of King City, Needles, Porterville, Selma, and Truckee. About 4 years ago she opened her own practice in Selma, CA. At her private practice she offers numerous services; from focusing on gallbladder disease, to benign and malignant breast disease (and mastectomies) to cosmetic dermatology. Her practice encompasses many areas of general surgery. Her work is important, but it is what she does away from the office that is even more amazing. Doctor Halderman is involved in government reform, research and volunteer activities. She has over 50 publications and presentations that have focused on the role of government in healthcare. She has spoken on local radio and television news outlets, discussing various medical matters, particularly in regards to the latest medical breakthroughs with breast cancer. Further, Doctor Halderman has served on many panels and roundtables, including a Healthcare Town Hall Meeting co-hosted by California State Assemblyman Bill Maze and Porterville/Tulare/Visalia Chambers of Commerce, ``The California Common Sense Healthcare Revolution: solving the crisis'' a panel sponsored by College Community Congregational Church, and the ``Business Healthcare Summit'' a panel co-hosted by Assemblyman Mike Villines and the Fresno Farm Bureau. She has also made presentations to various Republican party organizations, the American Cancer Society, high schools, and University of California, San Francisco in Fresno. Doctor Halderman is extremely active within the community on many different levels. She is involved in several community service and professional organizations. Most recently she has been affiliated with American College of Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, California Health Collaborative Cancer Detection Program (Continuous Quality Improvement Committee Board Member and Physician Educator), California Medical Association, Fresno-Madera Medical Society (Board of Governors 2005, Editorial/Publications Board Member 2003-2004), Selma Community Hospital Foundation (Board of Trustees 2004-2006) and the Selma Community Hospital Foundation (Executive Board Member 2005-2008). She is an amazing advocate for healthcare reform that is beneficial for the patient as well as the physician. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Doctor Linda Fagan Halderman upon being awarded with ``The 2007 Women of Distinction''. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Doctor Halderman many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Violet Heintz upon being named one of ``The 2007 Women of Distinction'' by The Fresno County and City Republican Women Federated. Mrs. Heintz served on the Fresno County Board of Education for 32 years. She has demonstrated her lifelong commitment to community service through numerous education projects and community activities benefiting the children of Fresno County. Her dedication to education advancements led Mrs. Heintz to serve on the original governing board and licensee for the local television channel KVPT Channel 18. KVPT is better known as Valley Public Television and is one of only 14 channels in California that is part of the Public Broadcasting System. The mission of the station is to ``deliver information through broadcast programming and related services to enhance and promote life long learning.'' This is also the mission of Mrs. Heintz. She has served on the Fresno County Trustees Association's Executive Board, the Central Valley Technology Center committee and the Fresno County Educator of the Year committee. Her involvement in and contributions to the community have been recognized through many awards, including; the Fresno County Association of California School Administrator's Golden Apple Award, California and National PTA Honorary Service Award, Women of the Year finalist, Fresno County Status of Women, Phi Delta Kappa Community Education Award, the William E. Nili Scholarship Service Award, and the Alison Berg Award. In recognition of her timeless service, on April 23, 1999, The Elkhorn Correctional Facility Boot Camp in Fresno County was dedicated in her honor. The school is now called the Violet Heintz Education Academy. The Academy is designed to educate students that have been committed by the Juvenile Court to a long-term program for non-violent offenders. This dedication is a tribute to all of the great things that Mrs. Heintz has done for the Fresno County Department of Education. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Violet Heintz upon being awarded ``The 2007 Women of Distinction''. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Heintz many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Honorable Debra Kazanjian upon being named one of ``The 2007 Women of Distinction'' by the Fresno County and City Republican Women Federated. Judge Kazanjian is a graduate of California State University, Fresno where she received a bachelor of arts degree, summa cum laude. She earned her juris doctor degree from McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific. After completing her education, she returned to Fresno, CA, where she was born and raised. She practiced as an attorney for 19 years before being elected superior court judge in 2000. Currently, she is assigned to the probate court. Aside from being a Superior Court Judge, Judge Kazanjian has served the legal community of Fresno County in many different capacities, including: president of the Board of Trustees of the Fresno County Law Library, two terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the Fresno County Bar Association, President of the Fresno County Young Lawyers Association, Chair of the Family Law Section of the Bar Association, member of the Domestic Violence Roundtable, and Scoring Judge at the Fresno County Mock Trial Competition. She has also spoken at numerous legal and community forums. Judge Kazanjian's community service record is as long as the list of legal services. Her community service includes: 5 years on the Fresno County Planning Commission where she also served as Chairwoman in 1995, member of the City of Fresno Charter Review Committee, one of the 1993 Top 10 Business/Professional Women of the Year, Member and Chairwoman of the Little Hoover Commission City Clerk's Office Task Force, and member of the City of Fresno Blue Ribbon Task Force on City Council Ethics and Operations. Further, she is a past president of the Fresno State Alumni Association, and a member of the Channel 18 Business Advisory Committee and the Junior League of Fresno. Lastly, she has served in the Fresno Public Education Fund's ``Principal for a Day'' program. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Honorable Debra Kazanjian upon being awarded with ``The 2007 Women of Distinction''. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the Honorable Debra Kazanjian many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Stanislaus County Binational Health Week Committee upon their diligent work and commitment to bring Binational Health Week to their community. Binational Health Week, BHW, began in 2001 with seven California cities, 98 activities, and 115 agencies involved. There were an estimated 18,720 people that were reached. This service has grown tremendously over the last 6 years. In 2006 those numbers grew to include: 31 states, 42 California cities, 1,014 activities, with about 3,000 agencies involved and an estimated 300,000 people reached. This year the event will take place throughout 31 states in the United States and three provinces in Canada. BHW has extended its outreach to include participation from 46 Mexican, 11 Guatemalan and 15 Salvadoran consulates. With the efforts of all participating parties, BHW has become one of the largest mobilization efforts in the Americas to improve the health and well-being of an underserved population, including immigrants and migrants of Mexican and Central American descent. It encompasses an annual week long series of health promotion and health education activities that include workshops on health care and health insurance referrals, health education and health promotion by encouraging healthy behaviors and routine health care. They also provide information about local social services and clinics. The success of BHW is due to the thousands of organizations and volunteers dedicated to a common cause. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Stanislaus County Binational Health Week Committee on their success in bringing the Binational Health Week to their county. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the committee many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Madam, Speaker, I rise today to commend the Binational Health Week Committee for the Counties of Fresno, Merced, Tulare, and Kern upon their diligent work and commitment to bring Binational Health Week to their community. Binational Health Week, BHW, began in 2001 with seven California cities, 98 activities, and 115 agencies involved. There were an estimated 18,720 people that were reached. This service has grown tremendously over the last six years. In 2006 those numbers grew to include: 31 states, 42 California cities, 1,014 activities, with about 3,000 agencies involved and an estimated 300,000 people reached. This year the event will take place throughout 31 states in the United States and three provinces in Canada. BHW has extended its outreach to include participation from 46 Mexican, 11 Guatemalan and 15 Salvadoran consulates. With the efforts of all participating parties, BHW has become one of the largest mobilization efforts in the Americas to improve the health and well-being of an underserved population, including immigrants and migrants of Mexican and Central American descent. It encompasses an annual week long series of health promotion and health education activities that include workshops on health care and health insurance referrals, health education and health promotion by encouraging healthy behaviors and routine health care. They also provide information about local social services and clinics. The success of BHW is due to the thousands of organizations and volunteers dedicated to a common cause. Madam, Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the Binational Health Week Committee for the counties of Fresno, Merced, Tulare and Kern on their success in bringing the Binational Health Week to their counties. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing the committee many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Burchell Nursery upon celebrating their 65th anniversary in the nursery business. Irvin Burchell began his small business with an acre and a half in central California, just outside of Modesto, in 1942. Mr. Burchell's idea was ``Plant good trees on good land, take care of them, and they will take care of you.'' Three generations later the company has grown to more than 1,000 acres, from 10,000 trees to 2.5 million. Burchell Nursery began with just peach trees. Today they grow peach, nectarine, cherry, apricot, plum, prune, apple, pomegranate, pistachio, citrus, almond, and walnut trees in more than 200 varieties. Irvin Burchell's focus on quality led to the development of the state of California's own tree certification program. The Nursery began in the 1960s and has worked toward eliminating viruses from commercial tree varieties and establishing clean sources of bud wood. They have created an ongoing sampling process to ensure virus-free trees. This has become the model that is used by the state today. Burchell Nursery changed hands in 1970 to Bill Burchell, who oversaw dramatic growth in the company. Through out the decade 700 acres were added in Oakdale, CA, and during the 1980s another branch was opened in Fresno, CA. Now in the third generation, Burchell Nursery is headed by Tom Burchell. Tom has renewed the company's focus on research. Tom has pioneered the development of the nursery's container tree lines. With special growing techniques, and a uniquely designed container, the program has expanded from about 8,000 container trees per year to more than 170,000 in 2006. The breeding program has also flourished under Tom, with more than 40 patented varieties to the nursery's credit. Burchell Nursery has been a constant leader in the community and in the state of California. To the state, Burchell Nursery has provided innovative ways of growing, nurturing and protecting trees from a number of viruses. In the local community, they have not only provided employment, but they have also given back in the form of donations and support to various groups. Burchell Nursery has always been a strong supporter of 4-H and Future Farmers of America. They have provided scholarships to outstanding agriculture students at Modesto Junior College and contributed trees to the orchards of elementary and secondary schools. They have also been active supporters of the agriculture research programs at Modesto Junior College, California State University at Fresno, University of California at Davis and have provided financial support to the Stanislaus County Agriculture Center. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Burchell Nursery on 65 years of business. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Burchell Nursery many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of Hughson upon celebrating their 100th Anniversary. In 1882 Hiram Hughson purchased 1,000 acres in Stanislaus County, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Over the years the Hughson land grew to about 5,000 acres, and small towns were erected all around his parcel. The San Joaquin railroad purchased a piece of the land and built a new railroad station, Hughson Station. The City of Hughson was founded in 1907 when Hiram Hughson placed his 5,000 acres in the hands of the Hughson Town Company. From there the land was opened up for settlement and this small community became a small town. The township of Hughson became a city when it was incorporated December 9, 1972. The city has continued to thrive. The city has grown around a strong agriculture center; with orchards of Almonds, Walnuts and Peaches. In the past five years Hughson has grown from 4,920 residents in 2002 to about 6,127 in 2007. However, it is still the smallest city in Stanislaus County. The people of Hughson pride themselves on the small, hometown feel. The city demonstrates its small town pride with the Annual Fruit and Nut Festival. The festival allows the city to come together to showcase their home grown fruits and nuts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate the City of Hughson on 100 years. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Hughson many years of continued growth and success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Ken Willmarth upon his retirement as the Stanislaus County 4-H Youth Development Advisor with UC Cooperative Extension. Mr. Willmarth was recently honored by workers at a retirement dinner in Modesto, CA. Ken Willmarth has always been very involved in the community. As a young man he volunteered with the Peace Corps. As the 4-H Youth Development Advisor he guided more than 1,200 4-H members and more than 500 4-H leaders at any given time. Mr. Willmarth continues to be involved in his community through his work with the Stanislaus County Fair and Camp Sylvester. Along with volunteering his time, he plans on working towards an advanced degree from California State University, Stanislaus. Ken Willmarth has been a pillar in his community, especially within 4-H. Within the organization he has influenced a great number of club members and had the opportunity to work with many more throughout the organization. His involvement in 4-H allowed him to work with community leaders, project leaders and the community at large to benefit youth programs. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Mr. Ken Willmarth on his retirement from Stanislaus County. I invite my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Willmarth many years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California. I rise in opposition to this new structured rule for the Ag appropriations bill. I'm very disappointed that the Rules Committee decided to shut down a free and open amendment process on this bill. My constituents at home deserve the right to have their opinions for or against any provision of this bill heard. One of those provisions would be an amendment that was offered to strike section 738 in H.R. 3161. This amendment was found out of order by the Rules Committee. Section 738's intent is to stop horse slaughter. However, the unintended consequences of this section will have a detrimental effect on the entire equine industry. Should this amendment become law, the breeding industry will be negatively affected when foreign buyers are not able to transport their American horses to another country. International and domestic racing events will also be adversely impacted by this provision when racing horses are not able to move across borders. The economic detriment that would occur if this bill passes without our amendment is almost as expansive as the actual language of section 738. Every industry, from television revenues gained from major horse races to the small, family equine breeder, would feel the impact. In fact, the U.S. horse industry supports 1.4 million jobs and has an annual economic impact of $102 billion. In addition, restricting USDA funding to inspect horses will spread animal disease. How the Rules Committee determined this amendment was out of order, when it is clearly an important and germane amendment to the Ag appropriations bill, is beyond my comprehension. In deeming this amendment out of order, they have closed out an entire industry from being able to have their views expressed through their representatives on legislation that would have huge economic impacts. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against the rule to the Ag appropriations bill.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. I thought I would use my time to talk about the Ag approps bill. Just kidding. Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that all children who qualify for the SCHIP program are taken care of, but I have grave concerns about the SCHIP reauthorization bill, which doesn't target low-income kids but does increase mandatory spending by almost $130 billion over 10 years. This is not the way to provide coverage for anybody. I am particularly concerned that the CHAMP bill defines children as up to the age of 25. I am not aware of any other Federal program that defines the term ``children'' this broadly, and I certainly don't think that my constituents could agree that governments should be using health care funds intended for low-income children to cover a 25-year- old. This is not what SCHIP is supposed to be about. I don't believe that the creation of a new entitlement program costing hundreds of billions of dollars is in the best interests of our children. Are we going to encourage people and make it easier for them to take advantage of the private health care market, or are we going to have the government grabbing for control of all health care services? This legislation certainly indicates where our majority is trying to go. These are not procedural differences but major philosophical differences. Under this bill, Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka, will be enrolled in the SCHIP program.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy Osborne of Fresno, CA, an anchor and reporter with KFSN-TV, an ABC affiliate in Fresno, on the occasion of her 30th anniversary with the station. After graduating from California State University, Fresno in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in speech communications and a year of graduate study, Nancy began reporting for ABC30 in 1977. At the time, she was one of only a handful of women in the local broadcast industry, and she later produced and anchored the San Joaquin Valley's first locally produced news magazine show. Since joining the station, Nancy has become a familiar and trusted presence throughout the Fresno region. She is a first-rate reporter who has set a standard of excellence for her colleagues in the media. Nancy has treated people with respect and dignity and has a commitment to fairness that is appreciated by all who have come in contact with her. Nancy's commitment to the San Joaquin Valley has been evident throughout the years, as she has shown time and again that she understands that the opportunity to work on behalf of the public interest is a unique privilege. Station officials have succinctly summed up Nancy's contributions, saying that she has spent 30 years ``anchoring, producing, and reporting stories that make a difference in the lives of people in the San Joaquin Valley.'' Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy Osborne. I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking her for her outstanding work and wishing Nancy many years of continued success.