Adam Smith

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the heroic acts of bravery undertaken by Jody Wellman, James Bostwick, and Christopher Hastings of Washington State, who saved the lives of two individuals. On the morning of Saturday, August 11, 2012, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) Jody Wellman, James Bostwick, and Christopher Hastings intervened at a time of crisis to save the lives of a man and a woman who suffered a car accident on Interstate-5 in Washington State. After colliding with a concrete utility box and sign post in the median of the interstate, a vehicle caught fire with a 21-year-old soldier from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and a 29-year-old female passenger inside. These courageous TSOs pulled off the interstate to assist the two passengers out of the vehicle, which burst into flames shortly thereafter. There is no doubt that these two lives were saved because of the heroic efforts of these three brave officers. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jody Wellman, James Bostwick, and Christopher Hastings, who exemplify the spirit of service and commitment to one's community.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and work of Reverend Ralph Carney. Since 1999, Father Ralph Carney has served as the Catholic Chaplain at Madigan Medical Center in Washington State, conducting mass and ministering to both patients and staff. His passing is a great loss to the community at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Rev. Carney was born in 1923. During World War II, he was a sailor along the South American coast and during his career, would serve in the Navy, Air Force, and Army. Following World War II, Father Carney became ordained as a Catholic priest. Rev. Carney went on to serve as a chaplain for the Air Force and Army. In 1964, Rev. Carney went to Vietnam to work with combat soldiers. Upon his retirement from the Army, he began working at Western State Hospital and after he was a priest at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Lakewood, WA. Rev. Carney began working at Madigan Army Medical Center in 1999 and continued his work there until his passing on August 26, 2012 at age 89. He was deeply passionate about serving those who serve our country. Never being one to slow down, Rev. Carney continued his work up until his last days. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I celebrate the life of Father Carney. His service to our country and the men and women who serve to defend it will not be forgotten.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the groundbreaking of the 9/11 Memorial at the South King Fire and Rescue Station 64 in Federal Way, Washington. The memorial will include a steel beam from the World Trade Center to honor the firefighters, police officers, and citizens who lost their lives when terrorists coordinated the attacks on September 11, 2001. In 2011, Lt. Scott Mahlen and firefighter Sven Schievink drove to New York to retrieve the beam. During the 55 hour-long journey, the men were supported by friends and fire stations across the country. After returning to Federal Way, the community worked for the next year to raise money for the memorial. The South King Firefighters Foundation plans to finish the memorial by September 11, 2013. This project serves as a reminder of how deeply the tragedy of 9/11 affected Americans across the country, and the steel from this beam represents the strength and resilience of the United States in the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the work of the men and women of South King Fire and Rescue to construct a powerful memorial for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. When completed, this memorial will be an important reminder of those who lost their lives and the men and women who continue to protect our country every day.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the ``Catch a Special Thrill'' (C.A.S.T.) for Kids Foundation, based in Renton, Washington. Since 1991, this organization and its founder Jim Owens have worked to partner volunteers who love fishing with people with special needs for fishing excursions. Today, the foundation hosts three different programs; C.A.S.T. for Kids, the Fishing Kids Program, and the Take a Warrior Fishing Program. The C.A.S.T. for Kids Program held its first event at Banks Lake in Eastern Washington in 1992. Today, events are held in 22 States across the country. This program helps children with special needs and their caretakers experience the outdoors and spend time on the water. This program also helps educate the community about the abilities of children with special needs and the value of providing this type of experience to those young individuals. The Fishing Kids Program was established in 1996 to give young people living in urban areas exposure to fishing. Expert anglers volunteer to teach children fishing techniques, angler ethics, fish identification and water safety--giving young people the skills they need to begin a lifelong hobby. Kids also leave the program with a rod and reel to keep and continue using. In 2011, the foundation launched a new program called Take a Warrior Fishing. The first event was held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This program connects transitioning military personnel and their families to increase interactions and appreciation for the outdoors. This also gives returning servicemembers a therapeutic outlet by spending time on the water and in the outdoors. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the work of the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation. Their creative solutions to helping kids and servicemembers by introducing them to the sport of fishing helps a wide variety of special needs individuals in our communities.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Jennifer Potter, the President and CEO of the Initiative for Global Development (IGD), on her retirement. Jennifer joined the group who would found IGD in 2003 with a goal to reduce global poverty through economic growth and investment. Under her leadership as President and CEO, the Seattle-based organization grew from an ambitious idea to a widely recognized international organization. Jennifer has also led IGD's efforts to direct more than $100 million in investments to the developing world and altered the way governments and businesses engage in these areas. Her recent focus on African communities has opened the door for employment opportunities and increased their access to various markets. Jennifer's true passion for non-profit work stems from her service in the Peace Corps and experience leading multiple urban planning and development organizations. She has also served on various boards of organizations focused on international policy. Her inspirational drive and vision will be difficult to replace, and her efforts to eliminate world hunger will always be remembered and appreciated. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize and congratulate Jennifer Potter on her retirement. I wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Academy, located in Kent, Washington and part of the Federal Way Public Schools, for winning the Schools of Distinction award for being the top middle school in mathematics instruction. Each year, the Intel Corporation honors elementary, middle and high schools from across the country for excellence in math and science education. Award winners in the math and science categories for each level receive $10,000 to support efforts to remain at the cutting edge of preparing students for careers in the 21st century. The TAF Academy opened in 2008 as a unique partnership between the Federal Way Public Schools and the Technology Access Foundation. It is a public middle and high school that receives additional support from the Technology Access Foundation to give students topnotch education in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students take rigorous classes that prepare them for college and eventually careers in the ever-changing and increasingly competitive global job market. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the hard work of students, teachers, parents, and administrators of the Technology Access Foundation Academy. The academy's focus on science, technology, engineering and math will be greatly beneficial to its students and to our country.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Kona Kai Coffee Company in Kent, Washington for being named a finalist for the 2012 King County Executive's Small Business Awards, in the Workforce Development Small Business of the Year category. Kona Kai Coffee Company started off as a small business with the vision of creating Hawaiian coffee products in the Northwest. Today, the company maintains a strong workforce that is diverse and highly skilled. The Workforce Development Small Business of the Year award is given to those business that recognize the importance of on-the-job training, partnerships with other businesses, involvement of the community, benefits of educational institutions, and apprenticeships. Kona Kai Coffee Company has contributed greatly to the King County region and economy by practicing these ideas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor Kona Kai Coffee Company. Businesses like Kona Kai Coffee Company that care deeply about the future of their employees deserve to be recognized and appreciated.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Mosby Farms in Auburn, Washington for being named a finalist for the 2012 King County Executive's Small Business Awards, in the category of Rural Small Business of the Year. Mosby Farms is a family-owned farming business that began in 1977. The Mosby family has grown conventional and organic foods for decades, while giving back to their community by donating thousands of pounds of food weekly. The Rural Small Business of the Year award recognizes the achievements of the rural industry. Mosby Farms excels at what they do and represents the King County area proudly. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor and congratulate Mosby Farms as a finalist this year. Rural businesses offer many opportunities for work and promote economic growth in agricultural and rural communities throughout our nation.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Nesby and Associates in Renton, Washington for being named a finalist for the 2012 King County Executive's Small Business Awards, in the Minority Small Business of the Year category. Nesby and Associates is a development consulting firm that encourages consumers and companies to invest in diverse markets. The company succeeds by having a large clientele, ranging from the local to the national levels. The Minority Small Business of the Year award is only presented to extraordinary minority-owned businesses that have shown significant growth and contributions to the King County community. Currently, 13 percent of the businesses in the King County region are minority-owned and Nesby and Associates and many others make tremendous contributions to the region's economic strength. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor Nesby and Associates. The firm proudly represents the growing numbers of minority-owned businesses in our community and throughout our nation.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Pacific Metallurgical in Kent, Washington for being named a finalist for the 2012 King County Executive's Small Business Awards, in the Exporting Small Business of the Year category. The Exporting Small Business award is given to small businesses that have increased international sales in new and existing markets. Pacific Metallurgical is an innovative heat treating business that was founded in 1967. The family-owned company was one of the first commercial heat-treat suppliers in the King County region. The company has since grown and the company is today offering new equipment and technology worldwide. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Pacific Metallurgical. Advanced companies like Pacific Metallurgical help to stimulate our local and national economies through trade and growth.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Guadalcanal campaign of World War II. This month, as we approach the 70th anniversary of Guadalcanal, we are reminded of the many sacrifices that brought freedom and security to the South Pacific. We reflect upon the 7,100 men who gave their lives in the Guadalcanal campaign. Guadalcanal lasted more than six months and effectively ended the military expansion of our enemies in the South Pacific. During that time, more than 60,000 Allied personnel participated in gaining control of Guadalcanal, its surrounding islands, and Henderson Field, a particularly important location to enemy forces. There is no doubt that this victory significantly contributed to the eventual end of the Second World War. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and remembering this great sacrifice and appreciating the advancement of freedom that came at such a high cost 70 years ago.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Port of Seattle for receiving the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Port of Seattle is one of just fifteen employers across the country to receive this honor. Each year, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, awards employers with their annual Freedom Award. This is the Department of Defense's highest recognition awarded to employers for their exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees. More than 3,000 nominations from Guardsmen and Reservists, or their family members on their behalf, were submitted and the Port of Seattle distinguished themselves among all the nominees. A Naval Reservist nominated the Port of Seattle because of the Port's focus on hiring military members and veterans, as well as for their participation in the military's Transition Assistance Program. Twenty percent of the Port's employees have served in the military and the Port has started a fellowship program to help returning service members transition from active duty to the civilian workforce. The Port of Seattle's efforts at employing Guardsmen and Reservists serves as a model for other port districts that are establishing programs to hire more service members. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor the Port of Seattle for their superb treatment of Guard and Reserve employees. The Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is a well-deserved honor.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mark Davis of Auburn, Washington, for forty-five years of dedicated service to the airline industry. In 1967, Mr. Davis began working on the ramp for Northwest Airlines, with a propeller-driven Lockheed Electra. Over the next 45 years, he served in a variety of capacities for his company. These included time as a ramp agent, cleaner, working in the commissary, fueling aircrafts, serving at the post office and, finally, as a freight runner. At a special ceremony, Mr. Davis received a pin commemorating his 45 years of service. Delta Cargo leaders and employees surprised him by unveiling a ramp tug personalized with his name, employment date and years of service. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Mark Davis for a long career of service to the airline industry in Seattle, Washington. Employees like Mark make companies, our economy, and our country thrive.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Art and Dorothy Oberto and the Oberto Sausage Company, based in Kent, Washington. This family-owned business was built on a foundation of providing quality products for their customers and treating their employees well. This has made Oberto, which is also commonly known as Oh Boy! Oberto, one of the most iconic companies of the Pacific Northwest. In 1918, Constantino Oberto and his uncle, John, founded the Oberto Sausage Company in Seattle, Washington. From the very beginning, Constantino and John dedicated their company to selling the very best handmade Italian sausages and salami. Art Oberto has run the Oberto company since he was just 16, when his father passed away. In all, Art has been responsible for the family business for nearly seven decades. In 1964, Art introduced Natural Style Beef Jerky. He experimented with the product at home and the jerky was a tremendous success. It led to the company doubling in size and soon after Oh Boy! Oberto products were available nationwide. Art and the Oberto Sausage Company continued to be dedicated to innovation. They launched turkey jerky in 1994 which solidified Oh Boy! Oberto as the nation's top jerky manufacturer. In 2011, Oberto released one of the biggest innovations to the jerky industry, All Natural Jerky. The company was the first major company to develop a jerky made with all-natural ingredients. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the hard work, perseverance and innovation of Art and Dorothy Oberto of Oh Boy! Oberto. Their dedication to quality and our community will drive the company forward for many years to come.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize The LeMay-- America's Car Museum, located in Tacoma, Washington for opening its doors to the Pacific Northwest this summer. The LeMay Museum is one of the largest automobile museums in the world and will attract people of all ages with its modern look and unique history. The museum, named after Harold LeMay, honors one of the most accomplished businessman from Tacoma, Washington. Harold was born in Yakima, Washington in 1919, but grew up in the Pierce County area where he pursued his love for motorized vehicles. As a young entrepreneur, he became associated with an automobile business in the Lincoln District of Tacoma. From there, he built Harold LeMay Enterprises, joined dozens of community organizations, and began his impressive automobile collection. Harold and his wife, Nancy LeMay, owned one of the largest privately- owned collections of automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and other motorized vehicles in the world. The LeMays formed the Harold E. LeMay Museum, a charitable organization that would donate their automobile collection to benefit the community Harold adored. In November 2003, just a few years after Harold's passing, the museum's board of directors approved the proposal to open The LeMay--America's Car Museum in the City of Tacoma. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate The LeMay--America's Car Museum. The museum showcases the history behind America's admiration for automobiles and Harold's inspiring story.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John Annaloro, the CEO of the Northwest Credit Union Association, on his retirement after nearly 30 years of working in the credit union industry. John's passion for people and economics first brought him to the credit union industry in the mid-1980s. After leading the Congressional and regulatory affairs teams of the California Credit Union League, John became the CEO at the Washington Credit Union League in 1997. He led the Washington League through an efficient and effective merger with the Credit Union Association of Oregon in 2011. Now known as the Northwest Credit Union Association, this organization advocates for more than 160 credit unions in the States of Washington and Oregon. Currently nearly 4.4 million consumers belong to a credit union in Washington and Oregon. John came to the credit union movement with a great deal of previous experience. He spent seven years as the Chairman and CEO of a computer software development corporation with a worldwide client base. He spent six years at the University of California as a mathematics professor, dean, and department chairman. He is an author with more than a dozen published books and articles on computer science and business. This extensive expertise explains John's approach to effecting change in the credit union system. Under John's leadership, Washington credit unions encouraged the creation of a television program, BizKid$ on PBS, to teach school children about business. John was approached by a team of producers who were trying to create a program to help educate children about corporations, financial responsibility, and entrepreneurship. John and his staff brought credit unions together to finance this program, which is now seen by children in nearly every State. John worked to ensure credit unions would lend responsibly and was a driving force behind the establishment of the Business Lending School at the Northwest Credit Union Association. Through this, credit union professionals receive expert training on business lending issues. On John's watch, the credit unions of the Northwest maintained a safe and sound financial position, even during times of overall financial instability. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize John Annaloro. John is a leader who personifies the core philosophy of credit unions, which is ``People Helping People.'' I wish him the best for his retirement.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Flex-a-lite company, a Fife, Washington manufacturer for their 50 years of American manufacturing. The company has continuously set itself apart from its competition in the automotive industry by promoting strong domestic sales and rarely outsourcing manufacturing abroad. Eddy Davis, along with his son-in-law, Rainer Willingham, founded Flex-a-lite in 1962. The company dramatically changed the automotive world, by inventing the very first flexible fan created from hand-cut fiberglass roofing material. In 1978, the founders patented the first electric fan and three generations later, the company continues to prosper. The current president of Flex-a-lite and granddaughter of Eddy Davis, Lisa Chissus, has said that the business has been able to overcome hardships during tough economic times because Flex-a-lite remained loyal to three key factors: innovation, quality, and smooth succession. The company has consistently produced new, innovative products and continues to bring new ideas to the table. Flex-a-lite takes great pride in their top quality products that are made and sold in the United States. It is clear that the business's family-owned values have helped to successfully guide the company for a half century. Mr. Speaker, it is with honor that I recognize the Flex-a-lite company. I am confident that Flex-a-lite will flourish for years to come.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Aretha Thurmond, Ariana Kukors, Courtney Thompson, and Tejay van Garderen from the State of Washington for representing the United States and competing in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. The 2012 Games will be Aretha Thurmond's fourth appearance at the Olympic Games when she competes in the discus throw. She began throwing discus in high school and competed in her first Olympic games at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, just after finishing her sophomore year at the University of Washington. She went on to participate in the 2004 Athens Games and 2008 Beijing Games. Aretha has remained one of the top American discus throwers for over a decade. Ariana Kukors will be making her Olympic debut and participating in the 200M Individual Medley. Shortly after the 2008 Olympic Trials, Ariana continued to train hard and won the 200M Individual Medley at the 2009 World Championships, setting a world-record of 2 minutes, 6.15 seconds. Courtney Thompson will also make her Olympic debut in London as backup setter for the United States Women's Volleyball Team. Her professional career began when she joined the national team in 2007 and competed in the 2007 and 2009 Federation Internationale de Volleyball World Grand Prix tournaments. Her strong appearance in the 2012 Grand Prix grabbed the attention of many, which led her to this year's Olympic Games. Courtney and the women's volleyball team hopes to improve upon the silver medal they won at the 2008 Beijing Games. Tejay van Garderen has been named one of the most talented cyclists in America and will compete in this summer's Olympic Games. He was born in Tacoma, Washington and spent the majority of his early years living and cycling in Europe. During his rookie years, he signed with HTC Highroad, which was at the time was the world's top cycling team. Tejay finished third overall in the 2010 Criterium du Dauphine Libre and made his very first appearance at the Tour de France in 2011. He has also competed in the Tour de California and in Colorado's inaugural Pro Cycling Challenge. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I commend these athletes from the State of Washington for their dedication and honor all Olympians taking part in the 2012 Summer Games.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 3703, a bill originally introduced by Representative Inslee of Washington, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July 23 and Tuesday, July 24, 2012, I was unable to be present for recorded votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``No'' on vote No. 499 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2362, as amended); ``No'' on vote No. 500 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass S. 2039); ``Aye'' on vote No. 501 (on the motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 3477); ``No'' on vote No. 502 (on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 738); and ``No'' on vote No. 503 (on agreeing to the resolution H. Res. 738).

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Croatian musical heritage group, Ruze Dalmatinke from Seattle, Washington, for being featured in the Homegrown Concert Series at the Library of Congress' American Folklife Center. The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress sponsors various programs throughout the year to celebrate and present different cultural traditions to the American people. This summer, Ruze Dalmatinke performed Traditional Croatian Singing. Lead vocalists and sisters, Binki Franulovic Spahi and Alma Franulovic Plancich, immigrated to the United States with their family after World War II. The sisters have sung together since their childhood and were inspired to form the Ruze Dalmatinke in 1981. The group has passionately shared their Croatian heritage, lifestyle, and music in Washington State since. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Ruze Dalmatinke for being featured in the concert series hosted by the Library of Congress. Ruze Dalmatinke has shown incredible devotion to Croatian musical heritage by performing and sharing all around the United States.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding as the House Agriculture Committee marks up H.R. 6083, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARMM) Act. As families struggle to meet their basic needs during the economic downturn, the SNAP short-term food assistance program has become more important than ever. With over 14 percent of American households suffering from food insecurity, SNAP works to ensure that children, unemployed workers, and seniors have the nutrition and extra help they need. SNAP provides essential support for 46.3 million Americans (nearly half of which are children) in 22 million different households. Washington State alone has nearly 1 million people that rely on SNAP benefits. Changes proposed in the FARMM Act to end broad-based categorical eligibility would hurt low-income families in Washington State. An estimated 80,000 Washingtonians that currently receive SNAP benefits would not qualify or would be dropped from the program. Further, an estimated 280,000 low-income children in SNAP-eligible households that currently have access to free or reduced school meals would no longer have access. Further, FARMM Act provisions to limit which Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments can apply to SNAP benefits, would further limit benefits received through SNAP. These changes would disproportionately impact children, seniors, and working families. In these trying economic times, many Washingtonians cannot afford these cuts. Congress must stand up for SNAP funding, as the program plays a crucial role in our economic recovery. The best way to lower government spending on SNAP is not through major cuts, but by continuing to help families in need. In Washington State, the average SNAP recipient receives benefits for only nine months. In these tough economic times, SNAP is providing much-needed support in getting families back on their feet. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues protect SNAP funding as the FARMM Act goes through the legislative process.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Margarita Prentice as she retires from the Washington State Senate after 24 years of distinguished public service. Representing Washington's 11th Legislative District, her constituents included residents of Seattle, Renton, and SeaTac. Senator Prentice's voice as a healthcare champion has been invaluable and has bettered our community. She previously worked as a registered nurse at Valley Medical Center and in recognition of her career in public service and leadership, the Emergency Services Tower at Valley Medical Center is named in her honor. The Senator's contributions have been recognized by many throughout the years. She has dedicated countless hours of hard work on behalf of her constituents in the 11th District and all of Washington State. She has been recognized as the 2008 Children's Advocate by the Pediatric Interim Care Center and in 2007 was named by the Community Health Care Network of Washington as their Health Care Champion. She has also been named Legislator of the Year by the Washington State Nurses Association and Washington State Dental Hygienists Association. Mr. Speaker, it is with respect and great pleasure that I recognize the work Senator Prentice has done for Washington State's 11th Legislative District.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Administrator and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Wright, on his upcoming retirement. He has served as Administrator of the BPA for over a decade and is the second-longest serving administrator in the organization's history. Mr. Wright joined BPA in 1981 in the agency's conservation office. From this entry-level position he became the permanent BPA Administrator in February of 2002 after serving as Acting Administrator since late 2000. Mr. Wright began his tenure as head of the BPA at the beginning of the West Coast energy crisis in 2000 and 2001. He successfully avoided electrical blackouts in the Pacific Northwest by reducing spot market purchases, which helped return BPA to financial stability. He also worked to negotiate and preserve the hydropower system and bring more renewable resources to the region. His leadership of BPA has been based on collaboration and transparency. Steve's work to reach out to customers, tribes, and stakeholders resulted in the highest ever customer, constituent, and tribal satisfaction scores. By opening up the financial and decision- making process to the public he increased transparency and reduced internal inefficiencies, saving millions of dollars. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the career of Steve Wright. His leadership and dedication to Bonneville Power Administration has had an astounding impact on the lives of everyone living in the Pacific Northwest. I wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Washington

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments and valor of the Montford Point Marines as they are awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress. During an era when African- American men faced racism and Jim Crow segregation, these Marines left home to defend the United States during World War II. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order barring government agencies from denying employment in defense efforts based on race, creed, color or national origin. The military was required to recruit and enlist African-Americans and a year later, recruitment began for African-American Marines who would train at Montford Point. Thousands of African-American men enlisted, despite widespread segregation and discrimination both in and outside of the military. From 1942 until 1949, approximately 20,000 African-American men enlisted in the Marine Corps and trained at a segregated facility, Camp Montford Point, near Jacksonville, North Carolina. Successfully completing training was a substantial feat for these Marines. While their white counterparts may have been required to run ten miles, Montford Point recruits often had to run twenty. These challenges gave them the endurance, both physical and emotional, to serve. As Marines, they bravely fought in theatres from the Pacific to Europe. In 1948, President Harry S. Truman ordered the desegregation of the United States Armed Forces. In 1949, recruit training at Montford Point was discontinued as all recruits, regardless of race, were sent to other integrated training facilities. Many Montford Point Marines continued their service as Marines after the conclusion of World War II, including in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor the Montford Point Marines. Their legacy has paved the way for African-Americans to serve proudly in all branches of the United States Armed Services.