Adam Schiff

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Anastasia Mann of Hollywood Hills, a unique neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Anastasia Mann founded Corniche Travel in 1987 and successfully launched a new division called Anastasia's Africa in 2004, which specializes in customized trips to southern and eastern Africa. She later established Corniche Entertainment, which provides music and entertainment for private events around the world. Alongside the development of her own company, Anastasia has taken on several leadership roles in the travel industry, locally, state-wide, nationally and internationally. She is the founding chairman of the West Hollywood Visitors and Convention Bureau, and a founding member of the California Travel and Tourism Commission, where she served two terms as the sole representative for all travel management agencies in California and served on the Executive Committee. In addition, she is a member of the California Chamber of Commerce and spent ten years on the international board of directors of the Travel & Tourism Research Association, serving as President and Chair. Ms. Mann served as a California representative to the White House Conference on Tourism during the Clinton Administration and was a keynote speaker at both the 2003 International Conference on Peace through Tourism in Geneva, Switzerland and the 2005 IIPT African Conference in Lusaka, Zambia. In addition to her impressive achievements in the travel industry, Ms. Mann is also actively involved in the community, serving as President of the Hollywood Hills West Neighborhood Council and as a Hearing Examiner for the Los Angeles Police Department's Board of Rights. She is a long-standing board member of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and was involved with the Hollywood Arts Council. Anastasia and her company support several organizations, including the Fred Jordan Mission in downtown Los Angeles, Program for Torture Victims, OneLegacy Foundation and Disabled American Veterans. Ms. Mann's noble deeds have not been overlooked as she has received numerous commendations by the Los Angeles City Council, Los Angeles Mayor, the Governor of California and the United States Senate for philanthropy and business achievements. She also received the Woman of Achievement Award from the Century City Chamber of Commerce in 2006, the prestigious Diamond Award from the Southern California chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents in 2017 and was the first recipient of the Anastasia K. Mann Leadership Award from the Travel and Tourism Marketing Association. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Anastasia Mann.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Donna Ford of La Canada Flintridge, California. A civil litigator for several years in New York and Pennsylvania, Ms. Ford relocated to La Canada Flintridge with her family in 2005. Since moving to California, she has been an active member of the local community, serving as a dedicated volunteer and board member of several non-profit organizations. Believing that all children have tremendous potential regardless of their background or circumstances, Donna is a passionate advocate for young people and is committed to enriching the lives of children and adolescents. To that end, for twelve years, she has served on the board of directors of Hillsides, an organization dedicated to fostering a stable, healthy environment for at-risk children and their families by providing a range of innovative services, including residential treatment, individualized education, counseling and adoption assistance. Ms. Ford currently serves as chair of the Hillsides Board of Directors, co-chaired Hillsides' annual gala in 2011, and has served on several committees over the years. In addition to her work with Hillsides, Donna is a longtime volunteer of the Cottage Guild at Rosemary Children's Services in Pasadena, which provides education, therapeutic support and permanency planning to children and adolescents, and residential housing at Rosemary Cottage for young girls between 13 and 18 years of age. Donna has continued her commendable work with children by mentoring African American girls at John Muir High School in Pasadena and serving as a board member of the Institute for Educational Advancement, a Pasadena organization that assists gifted children in reaching their full potential, for a decade. In addition, she volunteers for the University of Southern California's Medical Faculty Family and Friends, which raises scholarship funds for medical students, and has served on the diversity committee for the Pasadena Playhouse. Donna is married to Dr. Henri R. Ford and they have two children. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Donna Ford.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my congressional district. Today I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Emily Gleicher of Elysian Valley, a unique neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Growing up in Queens, New York, Emily saw the need for sustainable living and gardening in major cities. She would walk the streets of New York and see empty parcels of land filled with garbage and dead weeds and she saw an opportunity to enhance urban areas with sustainable farming. When Emily moved to Los Angeles in 2012, she and her husband, Arlen Jason Wood, decided to convert their front yard into a giant raised lima bean farm where they would later sell their crops to local farmer's markets. As with New York, Ms. Gleicher saw empty pieces of land around Los Angeles that could easily be transformed into urban sustainable farms. Emily and Jason decided to harness their passion for gardening and in 2015, they created Farm LA, a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to transforming underutilized land in Los Angeles into sustainable energy projects and drought-tolerant agricultural farming. Since its inception, the goal of Farm LA has been to create food access and a cultural appreciation for sustainable living while enhancing the beauty of the city around us. Farm LA's programming includes: urban farming, fruit shares, sidewalk gardens, educating elementary schools and summer camps on growing food also known as ``kindergardening,'' and selling their 9th generation lima bean seeds at local health fairs and farmer's markets. Through her passion and dedicated service, Emily has created a Farm LA community of over 500 volunteers in the last three years as her organization continues to expand. Ms. Gleicher hopes that her work will help to provide food access in lower income residential neighborhoods while giving people a better understanding of the products they consume in an effort to address the prevalence of childhood obesity. Emily's passion for sustainable farming has brightened our community and she continues to serve as a role model for the citizens of this district. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Emily Gleicher.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Ivy Bottini, of West Hollywood, California. Ivy Bottini is a legendary activist, professional artist, mother, award-winning actress, and community leader. Renowned from coast to coast for her feminism and fight for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community, she paved the way for many of the advances in civil and human rights we enjoy today. Ivy was a founding member of the first chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966. She designed the iconic logo for the organization, which is still in use today. In August of 1970 Ivy and over 150 of her fellow activists made headlines by unveiling a banner reading ``Women of the World Unite'' over the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Ivy moved to Los Angeles in 1971, and from the time she set foot in the community, she has been working to improve the quality of life for its people. She speaks her mind and amplifies the voices of those in need around her. She founded AIDS Network LA, Los Angeles' first AIDS organization and the Los Angeles Lesbian/Gay Police Advisory Board, cofounded AIDS Project LA and served for over 15 years on the West Hollywood Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board. In 1981, she was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the California Commission on Aging making Ivy the first ``out'' lesbian or gay person to be appointed to a state board or commission. She was instrumental as an advocate for affordable housing for Gay and Lesbian seniors in the opening of ``Triangle Square,'' the first in the nation assisted living, affordable income apartment complex for LGBT elders. Over the years, Ivy has received numerous recognitions for her years of service and most recently, she was recognized as the 2016 Woman of the Year for the 3rd Supervisorial District of the County of Los Angeles and as the 2017 Woman of the Year for the 50th Assembly District of the State of California. Ivy is an inspiration throughout the country. Her life's work is an example of finding one's voice and using it forcefully for the benefit of all Americans. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Ivy Bottini.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Kelly Erin Decker of Kagel Canyon, a unique neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. After graduating from Princeton University with Bachelors of Arts degrees in Politics and in Visual Arts and Art History, Kelly pursued her love for the arts as a regional theater performer on the East Coast. With several years of theater experience under her belt, Kelly took a chance on herself for a future in film and television and embarked on a cross country journey that brought her to Los Angeles, where she enrolled at the Playhouse West School and Repertory Theater in North Hollywood. Ms. Decker has appeared in many stage performances, short films and movies, such as the Ghost of Christmas Past at the Sierra Madre Playhouse and as Michael Madsen's girlfriend in the movie Devil's Domain. In 2009, Ms. Decker and her husband, Jeffrey Leeson, became Kagel Canyon residents and quickly became involved in their community by joining the Kagel Canyon Civic Association. For the last several years, Kelly has served on the Kagel Canyon Civic Association Board, first as Vice President and since 2015 as its President. Her chief mission is to expand community involvement in the association and community engagement in issues affecting the foothills area at large. She works closely with local, county, state and federal offices to advance the concerns of Kagel Canyon residents. Kelly is an ardent preservationist of the last remaining rural and equestrian communities in Los Angeles and serves on the board of Save Angeles Forest for Everyone. A compassionate advocate for her Kagel Canyon community, Kelly's dedication to the residents is nothing short of extraordinary. As editor of The Hot Sheet, the Kagel Canyon monthly newsletter that is hand delivered to every home, she keeps residents informed about local issues. During the December 2017 Creek Fire, she quickly responded by serving as Kagel Canyon's unofficial community information officer, working day and night to provide residents with up-to-date information on the status of evacuations, organizations to reach out to for help and generally assisting with whatever was needed at the time. Ms. Decker's efforts did not cease after the fire was extinguished; and to this day, she continues to support and be an exceptional resource for all the residents of Kagel Canyon, but in particular for the sixteen Kagel Canyon families who lost their homes in the fire by organizing numerous fundraisers, coordinating efforts to collect food and clothing donations and providing resources to assist with the rebuilding process. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Kelly Erin Decker.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my Congressional District. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Brenda Levin of Los Feliz, a unique neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Born in New Jersey, Brenda Levin lived on the East Coast until she was 30 and never expected to leave. After studying graphic design at Carnegie Mellon and earning her undergraduate degree at New York University, she worked for a few years before returning to school to earn a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design in 1976. There she met her future husband, David Abel, who was determined to go west and convinced Brenda there would be more opportunities for women in male-dominated fields such as architecture. Her first job in California was working with prominent residential architect John Lautner on his design of a Palm Springs house for entertainer Bob Hope. From that day forward, Ms. Levin has touched the historic and cultural spirit and complexity of Los Angeles, significantly shaping the city skyline as we know it. For over 20 years her architecture and urban planning firm, Levin & Associates Architects, has pioneered, in collaboration with innovative developers, the process of historic preservation by the polishing the riches of the city with a new sheen, and her success in this effort has helped to energize the preservation movement in Los Angeles. Among the landmarks she has helped to preserve and revitalize are Grand Central and Chapman markets, the Oviatt, Fine Arts and Bradbury Buildings, the Wiltern Theater and Los Angeles City Hall. In the revitalization/preservation process are the Griffith Observatory, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings at Barnsdall Art Park and the Japanese American National Museum's National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, among others. In the spring of 2000, the Boone Gallery designed by Brenda opened at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino and Art, Design & Architecture Museum at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Ms. Levin's housing projects include the nationally-recognized Downtown Women's Center for mentally-ill, homeless women in Los Angeles and the Adams Congress affordable apartments in south Los Angeles. Ms. Levin's exceptional work has been recognized with numerous awards. She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and the AIA/LA selected her as recipient of the 2010 Gold Medal for her contributions in the preservation and revitalization movement in Los Angeles. In addition, in 2014, she received the Rose Award from the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, and in 2017, Brenda was the recipient of the Los Angeles Architectural Angel Award from Project Restore. I ask all Members to join me in honoring an exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Brenda Levin.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my congressional district. Today I would like to recognize one remarkable woman, Claudette Nicole Saba Monestime of Atwater Village, a unique neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Claudette Nicole Saba Monestime is a Palestinian American who was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, where her father was stationed serving the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Nicole, her parents and two sisters moved from Germany to Anaheim, California after her father's military service ended. She credits her amazing public school education in the Anaheim school system and the attainment of a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. She moved to Atwater Village nearly twenty years ago to expand her career in marketing, and along the way met and married her husband, Rene Monestime. They had two sons, Reece and Micah. After having a successful career as a marketing manager at Princess Cruises and Cunard Line, she started her own marketing firm and immersed herself in her children's public school education. Ms. Monestime helped create a technology vision for Glenfeliz Boulevard School for Advanced Studies, which has resulted in the consistent use of 75 iPads and 35 laptops by students throughout all grade levels. She continues to volunteer her time in the classroom by helping teach first, second, and third grade students about the intricacies of computer programming. Nicole is the president of the Glenfeliz Boulevard School for Advanced Studies' non-profit booster organization, Friends of Glenfeliz, which raises much needed funds to help to pay for programs that benefit the entire student body, and also participates in an ongoing community outreach campaign to ensure that local businesses play an integral role at the elementary school. Ms. Monestime serves as the president of the School Site Council, which works with the Los Angeles Unified School District to give parents perspective and feedback regarding decisions made at the district level. Nicole's inspiration comes from the committed parents, administrators, teachers, business and non-profit leaders from the Atwater Village community who work in creative ways to make a difference. When they say, ``It takes a village to raise a child,'' that is most certainly true and is happening in Atwater Village. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Claudette Nicole Saba Monestime.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Women's History Month. Each year, we pay special tribute to the contributions and sacrifices made by our nation's women. It is an honor to pay homage to outstanding women who are making a difference in my congressional district. I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Isa-Kae Meksin of Echo Park, a unique neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Isa-Kae's family immigrated to New York from the Ukraine where her father was a concert pianist and her mother was a homemaker. Growing up, Isa-Kae's mother taught her to question authority and to think on her feet, guiding her towards her passion for local politics and historic preservation. While in New York, Ms. Meksin received a Bachelor's Degree from Hunter College and soon after worked as a secretary for C.L.R. James, the visionary Afro-Trinidadian historian and journalist. It was during this time that she observed how workers, women, African-Americans and youth, were agents of change, and it was this work that led her to Los Angeles to connect with and observe the activities of the local factory workers. Isa-Kae moved to California in 1953 where she attended California State University, Los Angeles and worked towards her teaching credential. As a teacher in the 1950's, she dedicated her time to working with students with disabilities, specifically the visually impaired, and she maintains life-long relationships with some of these past students. Ms. Meksin continued this incredible work for many years until she found a new passion: activism. In 1978, Isa-Kae worked on opposing the discriminatory Briggs Initiative which would have banned gays and lesbians, and anyone who supported Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) rights, from working in California public schools. As someone who fought for and supported the rights of LGBT individuals, Isa-Kae testified to the horrific outcomes of such a potentially divisive initiative and how the legislation perpetuated grossly inaccurate portrayals of homosexuals, and through her dedicated efforts and those of others, the Briggs Initiative was defeated. Isa-Kae continues her activist work by volunteering with various organizations like the Watts Gang Task Force, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Central City Action Committee, the Citizens Committee to Save Elysian Park, the Studio for Southern California History and many others. Among her many accomplishments, Ms. Meksin works with California State University, Los Angeles to create opportunities for homeless youth to attend college and in 2017, she was awarded the Distinguished Educator Award from the university for her efforts. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this exceptional, well- respected woman of California's 28th Congressional District, Isa-Kae Meksin.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the pogrom against the Armenian residents of the town of Sumgait, Azerbaijan. On February 27, 1988, and for three days following, Azerbaijani mobs assaulted and killed Armenians. The violence left hundreds of Armenian civilians dead and injured, women and girls were raped, and some victims were burned alive. Thousands were forced to flee their homes, leaving behind their belonging. The pogroms came about as the result of years of vicious, racist anti-Armenian propaganda by Azerbaijani authorities, dehumanizing Armenians. Azerbaijan authorities made little effort to punish those responsible, instead attempting to cover up the atrocities in Sumgait to this day, and denying the government role in instigating the killings. Indeed, even today, racist propaganda against Armenia and Armenians is prevalent in Azerbaijan. The assault on ethnic Armenian civilians in Sumgait helped touch off what would become a direct conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan which took thousands of lives and dislocated millions more. The anniversary of Sumgait is a reminder of the consequences when aggression and hatred grow unchecked. Mr. Speaker, this April we will mark the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, an event the Turkish government, Azerbaijan's closest ally, goes to great lengths to deny. We must not let such crimes against humanity go unrecognized, whether they occurred yesterday or 30 years ago or 100 years ago. Today, let us pause to remember the victims of the atrocities of the Sumgait pogroms. Mr. Speaker, it is our moral obligation to condemn crimes of hatred and to remember the victims, in hope that history will not be repeated.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Soroptimist International of Glendale upon its seventy-fifth anniversary. With approximately 76,000 members in over 120 countries, Soroptimist International is a global women's organization targeted at empowering women both socially and economically. The organization is not only a respected authority on women's issues, it is also the only women's service club that has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations. Among its many worthwhile endeavors, Soroptimist International provides financial support to allow women to improve their skills and employment prospects. Each year, Soroptimist International awards more than $1.6 million in education grants to more than 1,200 women, many of whom have overcome domestic violence, poverty and drug and alcohol abuse. Since its founding on April 16, 1943, the Glendale chapter has continued the great work of this far-reaching organization. Established fourteen years ago by member Kathy Lefkovits, Bras for a Cause is an event where members decorate bras to raise funds for the Glendale club. Funds raised have benefited charities that enrich the lives of women and girls, including Breast Cancer Services at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Verdugo Hills Hospital and Glendale Memorial Hospital. The assistance that Soroptimist International of Glendale has provided to the community is outstanding, and the residents of the Los Angeles area have benefited greatly from their exceptional efforts. At this time, I ask all members to join with me in commending the Soroptimist International of Glendale for its seventy-five years of dedicated service to the Los Angeles community.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brad and Vicki Schwartz upon receiving the prestigious Spirit of Outstanding Service Award from the La Canada Flintridge Educational Foundation (LCFEF). As La Canada Flintridge residents for almost three decades, Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz have been steadfast supporters of our public schools through their involvement with LCFEF, a volunteer-run organization that promotes an improved public education system within the La Canada Unified School District by financing various projects and staff salaries. Mrs. Schwartz's admirable contributions to education include serving on the LCFEF Board of Directors in the early 2000s, participating in La Canada Elementary School's Parent Teacher Association, and most recently establishing the La Canada Flintridge Sister Cities Program, which facilitates cultural and educational exchange for the local students. In addition to her support of our schools, Vicki is on the Leadership Team of Circle 1500 for the City of Hope Speaker's Bureau and also serves on the Board of Directors of Cancer Support Community in Pasadena. The founder of Strategic Law Partners and SLP Ventures, Mr. Schwartz served as an LCFEF Endowment Trustee from 2011 to 2016 and was a primary leader in the Endow LCF Campaign, which raised over $1.4 million for the fund. His exemplary efforts in assisting our homeless include founding the annual La Canada Flintridge fundraising event ``Rockin' for the Homeless'' and serving as a board member of Union Station Homeless Services for several years. Brad currently serves on the Board of Directors of Innovate Pasadena and Descanso Gardens, as well as on the City of La Canada Flintridge's Investment and Finance Committee. Exemplary models of leadership and inspirational service, Brad and Vicki Schwartz have generously contributed their time, effort and funds to enrich the lives of their community. I ask all members of Congress to join me in thanking Brad and Vicki Schwartz for many years of distinguished service to the community of La Canada Flintridge and the greater Los Angeles area.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) upon its one-hundred and fiftieth anniversary. Founded in 1868, the B.P.O.E. is a nationwide fraternal order comprised of nearly one million men and women who promote service, justice and fraternity through activities and charities supported by local Elks Lodges. Of the order's numerous lodges, which provide a place for neighbors to come together, the state of California houses the largest number. The B.P.O.E. is one of the premier charitable and patriotic organizations in the United States, raising billions of dollars in donations, which allow Elks to invest in their communities. The California-Hawaii Elks Association (CHEA) is best known for its support of children with disabilities. The fundraising arm of the association allows the Elks to hire therapists and preschool vision screeners to provide disabled children with the care they need. In addition to its remarkable work with children, CHEA also donates to organizations that assist with recovery efforts for natural disasters like the recent hurricanes, fires and floods. Another hallmark of the order is patriotism, as evident in CHEA's involvement in raising funds for the National World War II Memorial, as well as its emphasis on honoring the American Flag. A main focus of B.P.O.E. is to assist veterans, whether by adopting Veteran's Villages, performing at the United Service Organizations (U.S.O.), or building monuments to honor fallen heroes. Through programs such as the Americanism Essay Contest, Hoop Shoot, Scholarship Programs, the Dictionary Project and Scouting, CHEA encourages our youth to exemplify leadership, patriotism and compassion. The Elks also promote a drug-free environment for our youth by working with the Drug Enforcement Agency to provide scientific-based prevention programs and drug awareness information. The time, effort, and care that the Elks have given to the community is outstanding, and the residents of the San Gabriel Valley have benefited greatly from their dedicated work. At this time, I ask all members to join with me in commending the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for one-hundred and fifty years of committed service to the San Gabriel Valley.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) ``Mayr'' Hollywood Chapter upon its one-hundredth anniversary. The ARS ``Mayr'' Hollywood Chapter, named ``Mayr'' as the mother chapter in Southern California, has made many strides since its founding in 1918, including establishing an Armenian Center, helping numerous displaced persons from Armenian-populated camps in Germany to move to the United States following the Second World War, and providing aid to areas in Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk. The ARS ``Mayr'' Hollywood Chapter became the inspiration for the inception of the Anahid Chapter in the San Fernando Valley and the Ani Chapter in Montebello, established in 1958 and 1960 respectively. In addition, the chapter founded the first ARS social service office in 1980, leading to the establishment of a network of more offices throughout the southland. The ARS ``Mayr'' Hollywood Chapter has been a steadfast supporter of educating students and preserving the culture and language of the Armenian people through its Saturday School program at the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Los Angeles. In addition to this program, the ``Mayr'' Chapter provides the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School with financial support and student scholarships and collaborated with the school to open the Rose and Alex Pilibos ARS ``Mayr'' Chapter Mary Postoian Armenian Preschool in 1992. The time, effort, and care that the ARS ``Mayr'' Hollywood Chapter has given to the community is outstanding, and the Armenian-American residents of Los Angeles have benefited greatly from their dedicated work. I ask all Members to join with me in commending the ARS ``Mayr'' Hollywood Chapter for one-hundred years of committed service to the Los Angeles community.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, once again, I would reluctantly urge that we withdraw consideration of the bill for today. I certainly have been working as hard, I think, as anyone to try to agree to a compromise that would move forward this very important surveillance authority but would strike the right balance between our security interests and our privacy interests, but I do think we need more time to work on this bill. And I think that it was only underscored this morning with the contradictory statements coming out of the administration. An issue of this magnitude and this seriousness really deserves serious and sober consideration. I think we need more time to discuss this with our Members, and I would urge my colleagues not to bring this to a vote today to give us more time to work on it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as HPSCI's ranking member and a former member of the Judiciary Committee, I have long advocated for reforms to surveillance authorities to balance the imperatives of national security and counterterrorism with the privacy rights and civil liberties of Americans. Today, the FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act seeks to reauthorize the program while making changes to protect privacy interests. Nonetheless, and I indicated before we took up the bill, in light of the significant concerns that have been raised by members of our Caucus, and in light of the irresponsible and inherently contradictory messages coming out of the White House today, I would recommend that we withdraw consideration of the bill today to give us more time to address the privacy questions that have been raised as well as to get a clear statement from the administration about their position on the bill. Mr. Speaker, I do this reluctantly. Section 702, I think, is among the most important of all of our surveillance programs. Nonetheless, I think that the issues that have been raised will need more time to be resolved, and I think we need to get a clear statement from the administration of whether they are in support of this legislation or they are not. This morning, as my colleagues are aware, the President issued a statement via Twitter suggesting that this authority was used illegally by the Obama administration to surveil him. Of course, that is blatantly untrue but, nonetheless, casts an additional cloud over the debate today. In light of these circumstances, I think the better course would be for us to defer consideration, give us more time to address the issues that have been raised by the privacy community within my own Caucus, but also within the administration about its inaccurate, conflicting, and confusing statements on the morning of debate. Mr. Speaker, I reluctantly urge my colleagues to postpone consideration so that we can take up this bill when it is more ripe for consideration. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment. I respect and share the sponsor's commitment to privacy and civil liberties, but this amendment would go vastly beyond the legislation advanced by either the Intelligence Committee or the Judiciary Committee. It would prevent the intelligence community from querying lawfully collected 702 information, even in situations directly related to counterterrorism and national security. It would make section 702 a far less effective tool at a significant cost to the national security of the United States. The amendment would require a probable cause warrant or its equivalent before the government can query lawfully collected 702 data in an effort to find communications concerning someone who may be a U.S. person or a foreign person located in the United States even when such person is communicating with foreign terrorists or intelligence targets. Probable cause will be lacking in many, if not most, intelligence and counterterrorism contexts. In such situations, the USA RIGHTS Act would prevent the government from detecting and disrupting plots against Americans or identifying and preventing foreign espionage on our soil. It would also require publication of information related to 702 certifications that would disclose the sources and methods of intelligence gathering, imperilling our ability to obtain foreign intelligence information. That, to me, poses an intolerably high risk. Instead, the underlying bill strikes a far better compromise. In the underlying bill, a warrant would be required in most nonnational security and nonterrorism cases when there is an open investigation. In the absence of such a warrant, the bill provides that evidence that would be obtained would be excluded from use in court. That seems, to me, a very sensible balance: requiring a warrant in most nonnational security and nonterrorism cases and providing, in the absence of such a warrant in an open investigation, that information or evidence would be barred from use in court. That addresses the gravamen of the concern over this program that it could be used for fishing expeditions against ordinary Americans. This amendment, on the other hand, would largely cripple the program. Mr. Speaker, for that reason, I urge opposition to the amendment and support for the underlying bill.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Renee D. Martinez, who is retiring as President of Los Angeles Community College. A Los Angeles native, Ms. Martinez received her Associate of Arts degree from Mount Saint Mary's College and a bachelor's degree in child development from the California State University Los Angeles. Upon receiving her master's degree in child development from the University of San Francisco, she began her over forty-year career in education with the Los Angeles Unified School District, working as a teacher, consultant and director, while also teaching part-time at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). In 1975, she became a full-time faculty member of ELAC's Child Development Department, and later served as the Department Chair. Renee went on to hold various other administrative and managerial positions at ELAC such as Vocational Dean, Evening Dean, and Director of Student Activities. In 2001, she assumed the role of Vice President of Workforce Education and Economic Development, where she fostered valuable connections with the business community for the purpose of assisting students in their employment and educational efforts. In 2012, Ms. Martinez was appointed Interim President of Los Angeles City College (LACC). The following year, she became the college's 16th President and was recognized as the first Latina to be President in LACC's ninety-year history. During her successful tenure, she was responsible for managing all college departments, faculty and staff and overseeing student support services, student achievement and the college budget. Renee ably upheld the goals and values set forth by the Los Angeles Community College District by fostering a creative and inclusive learning and working environment for all students, staff and faculty members, and emphasizing the importance of assisting students in need. An exemplary leader, Renee D. Martinez has been an invaluable asset in the field of education and has left a legacy that will be preserved and enjoyed by generations to come. I ask all Members of Congress to join me in thanking Renee D. Martinez for over four decades of distinguished service to the academic community of the greater Los Angeles region.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Hall Daily, who will soon retire from his position as Director of Government Relations at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). After completing his communications degree at Stanford University, Mr. Daily worked as a tennis teacher for nearly a decade before venturing into journalism. His 15 year career was ultimately successful, and he worked for established news organizations such as the San Jose Mercury News, The Associated Press and eventually the Pasadena Star-News, where he led a newsroom of more than 50 people. Hall joined Caltech in 1987 as the Assistant Director of Public Relations. Shortly afterwards, he led an extensive, large-scale effort to win approval from the City of Pasadena for Caltech's 30-year campus development plan, which allowed the institute to grow and meet the needs of both Caltech and the greater Pasadena community. Also during his initial public relations role, Mr. Daily co-created the CASE gold- medal winning radio program, ``Caltech Edition of Airtalk'' on the local radio station KPCC, in which Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Caltech scientists discussed research, forthcoming publications and current events. Mr. Daily later became the Director of Government Relations at Caltech, where he has been indispensable in establishing, sustaining and managing strong relations with local, state and federal governments, higher education associations, community groups, Caltech's neighbors and the general public. He has represented Caltech on numerous organizations, including the California Council of Science and Technology, the AAU Council of Federal Relations and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, where he has served as its Executive Committee Treasurer for the past 25 years. In addition, Hall has served on the boards of many local non-profit organizations, including Day One Pasadena, Leadership Pasadena, Pasadena Police Activities League, el Centro de Accion Social and the LA Cleantech Incubator. He is a co-founder of the working groups: Emergency Coordinators Roundtable, Pasadena: City of Learning and the Pasadena Water & Power large customers group, and also serves on Caltech's Buildings and Grounds Committee, the Institute and Alumni Relations Committee and the JPL Committee. In 2002, for his dedicated efforts in promoting the interests of Caltech as a global standard of academic merit by strengthening communication and goodwill between Caltech, its students and its alumni, Hall received the Honorary Member of the Caltech Alumni Association Award. It has been my pleasure to work with Hall on numerous projects over the years, such as the West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System, a discovery for the ages by scientists working at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), and expanding our knowledge and exploration of space. I ask all Members of Congress to join me in thanking Hall Daily for three decades of extraordinary service to Caltech and the greater Pasadena community, which has helped advance scientific research for the betterment of our nation and the world.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Steve and Donna Kraus on 50 years of marriage. Longtime Southern California residents, Steve and Donna have contributed immeasurably to their community. Steve was a 21-year-old signalman aboard the USS Frank E Evans on June 2, 1969 when it collided with an Australian vessel off the coast of Vietnam. While Steve was able to escape, 74 sailors lost their lives. In the years since that terrible day, Steve and Donna have become leaders in the USS Frank E Evans Association, with Steve serving as Chairman and President and Donna as Treasurer. The Evans Association has organized the survivors of the disaster and their families, as well as the loved ones of those who lost. They have advocated that their sacrifice be fully and properly recognized, including through inclusion on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. In working closely with the Evans Association to secure that long overdue recognition, I have been deeply impressed by Steve and Donna's hard work and advocacy, and all they have done to keep the memories of Evans Sailors alive. I thank Steve and Donna for their service. Happy anniversary, and I wish them many more years of happiness and health.

Mr. SCHIFF

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 is a solid, bipartisan bill, one that garnered unanimous approval in the committee by voice vote. I thank my committee colleagues and the entire HPSCI staff for their collaborative efforts in crafting the measure that we consider here today. In the 114th Congress, this committee worked in a similar bipartisan fashion to pass into law four key pieces of national security legislation. I am proud of our past legislative accomplishments, which testify to the virtues of substantive deliberation and reasoned compromise without needing to compromise the security of the American people or of our brave servicemembers. Reflecting on the past year, on Russia's assault on Western democracies, and on other challenges as well, from everything to include North Korea's unrelenting pursuit of a strategic nuclear capability, we owe the American people a deliberate process. I wish the bill had come to the floor with a rule that allowed Members to offer amendments. That opportunity is commensurate with the importance of the intelligence bill and the need for vigorous oversight of the IC by the whole Congress. Nonetheless, the manifest shortcomings in the process cannot take precedence over the imperative of discharging our duty and authorizing the operations of the intelligence community. On its merits, I urge all Members to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3180 today. The Intelligence Committee oversees some of the most sensitive and highly classified aspects of U.S. intelligence operations and programs. The annual Intelligence Authorization Act is the primary means by which we can guarantee an appropriate balance between our Nation's national security imperatives and the civil liberties and privacy rights enshrined in the Constitution. H.R. 3180 does just that by funding, equipping, and giving policy direction to the intelligence community and military intelligence elements of the Defense Department. It sustains support for key national security priorities and programs, and represents a slight decrease from the President's budget request from 2018. This bill features a number of provisions championed by my Democratic colleagues, some of which redouble the IC's focus on the scope and nature of the threat, both overt and covert, that Russia poses to our interests and American political institutions. H.R. 3180 also mandates public reporting about counterintelligence and cyber threats against future U.S. elections; bolsters oversight of our policy guiding counterterrorism actions outside of declared areas of hostilities; and seeks more information about the executive branch's process for determining when and to whom to reveal information about vulnerabilities in computers and networks. At the same time, and unlike IAAs of years past, this bill omits problematic language regarding Guantanamo detentions and the role of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board. I am less supportive of some elements in this legislation, but the bill's merits outweigh any misgivings I may have, and I was proud to cosponsor the bill along with the chairman. Through it, our committee and the Congress as a whole serves as a guardrail against any excesses, transgressions or abuses. That has always been a solemn obligation, but at this uncertain and unprecedented moment in our national life, it carries even more responsibility for all of us. So, again, I urge my colleagues today to vote with me to advance the Intelligence Authorization Act and see that it is enacted into law. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, happy birthday. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Castro), who will now sing Happy Birthday for you.

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I want to express my agreement with Leader Pelosi's comments on the continuing need for the appointment of an independent commission. An independent commission would have the dedicated focus, the distance from any potential political interference, and the resources to prepare a report of the caliber that we saw of the 9/11 Commission. I think that would be a very sound and important complement to what we are doing in Congress and what Special Counsel Mueller is doing. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Heck), my wonderful colleague on the Intelligence Committee.

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Himes), one of our subcommittee ranking members.

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Murphy).

Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi.)