Jackie Speier

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, some universities protect predatory professors with slaps on the wrist and secrecy, just like the Catholic Church sheltered child-molesting priests for many decades. The incidents described in this report are lurid and disturbing. One graduate student was told regularly by Dr. Slater that she would teach better if she did not wear underwear. He asked another graduate student to give women pointers on oral sex techniques. Dr. Slater himself admitted that he gave an employee a vegetable- shaped vibrator and that he frequently commented to his employees and students about the appearance of women. My staff spoke with one female grad student who was required to attend a strip club in order to discuss her academic work with Dr. Slater. The woman has since left the field of astronomy. The second female grad student told us that, during a one-on-one work meeting with Dr. Slater, he told her that all of the other graduate students had had sex at his house, that he had video cameras, and asked when she would join him to have sex there. She transferred out of Dr. Slater's lab, losing years of work. This is a significant reason as to why women hold fewer than one- third of the faculty positions in science and engineering. Dr. Slater has said he is now reformed, which may be the case, but his actions, however lurid, are just symptoms of a larger problem of how to effectively deal with sexual harassment in academia. I agree with Dr. Meg Urry, the president of the American Astronomical Society, who said: ``In my view, this is what it would take to move the needle: severe and visible consequences for violating policies on harassment--and they do have to be visible.'' That is why I plan to introduce legislation to require universities to inform other universities of the final results of a disciplinary proceeding. When students, faculty, or staff whose conduct has violated title IX transfer to another institution, the universities to which they are moving should be aware of their past conduct. I encourage anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in science, whether it is related to this incident or another, to call my office. Students enter astronomy to study the stars, not their professors' sex lives. It is time to stop pretending sexual harassment in science happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, last year, newly elected Speaker Ryan made a New Year's resolution that the House would once again consider serious legislation for the benefit of the American people. Yesterday was the very first day of our legislative session, and the bill we are considering is not a serious proposal. Yes, we are voting on repealing the Affordable Care Act for the 62nd time this Congress and attacking women's health for the 11th time, and we are, in fact, going to have the 5th vote on the defunding Planned Parenthood. Now, we know that Speaker Ryan is a committed athlete. In fact, his favorite workout is the P90X. It is based on repetition. An exercise repeating the same action over and over again can lead to success. I am sure we all admire Speaker Ryan's commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Normally, doing additional reps builds muscle mass, but the one muscle Republicans aren't exercising is their brain. Repeating the same, tired repeal and defund bill does not lead to more healthy laws. It just makes the American people tired and sore at the waste of taxpayer money. American women are scratching their heads thinking: Why does the Republican leadership hate us so much? Why is it they want to take away our rights? Why is it they want to take away the very services that actually protect life? Planned Parenthood protects life by providing more than 900,000 cancer screenings a year, and millions more receive services through Planned Parenthood. Why are Republicans trying to deny us from accessing this very vital health care? It is time for the Republicans to stop shoving these unhealthy, wasteful bills down our throats. Put down the political equivalent of a giant plate of nachos and exercise the hard job of governing. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this flabby rule.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, while many around the world are watching the climate talks in Paris, some of my constituents along the San Francisco Peninsula are watching the Pacific Ocean. That is because an unusually warm climate and water has led to a record toxic algae bloom that contaminates the crabs. Our critical Dungeness crab fishery is closed, and our fishermen are suffering. One Half Moon Bay fisherman said: ``If you had asked me 6 months ago about crab, I would've told you we're going to feed our families, we're going to send our kids to college. And I'm not talking just the junior college. If they want to go to Princeton, crab can make this happen with my work ethic. This situation is a new one. This was like getting the legs pulled out from under you.'' So if my Republican colleagues are wondering if climate damage is real or if it is affecting real people, I encourage them to see the docked fishing boats and the landlocked crab pots in my district. Climate damage is wiping out people's livelihoods. We cannot let this become the new normal.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, Faisal Shahzad was already on the no-fly list when he attempted to bomb Times Square in May of 2010. If he had decided to walk into a gun store that day, he would have walked out with a gun in hand. Fortunately, Shahzad's bomb failed to go off. But had he, instead, purchased a military-style weapon that day, it could have been very different. It is absolutely against common sense that suspected terrorists can walk into a gun store and purchase any firearm that they would like. They can't walk onto a plane, mind you, but they can purchase a military-style assault weapon and wreak havoc on a community. Seventy-seven percent of the American people believe we should close this loophole. The Republicans have an option. A bill by their Republican colleague from New York (Mr. King) would close that loophole. I ask my colleagues on the Republican side to listen to Mr. King and the American people and not to the NRA and the gun manufacturers. We have had enough moments of silence. For once, let's have a moment of action.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Rosanne S. Foust for twelve years of exemplary service on the City Council of Redwood City, including two years as Mayor and Vice Mayor. She leaves with a distinguished legacy of leadership, innovation and lasting contributions to the residents of Redwood City. I've had the great pleasure to work with Rosanne on many occasions and am fortunate to call her a good friend. Rosanne brought decades of business experience to the council. She is the President and CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association, SAMCEDA, the oldest countywide business organization on the Peninsula. Before that, Rosanne had a successful 20-year career with Alsace Development International USA, an international trade and development company. During her time on the council, Rosanne served on the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. The transportation authority creates roads and mass transit infrastructure. Service on the board is difficult because there is never enough money to meet the needs of a booming economy. While prioritizing local projects and negotiating amongst local agencies, Rosanne Foust quickly became known for her fair and well-reasoned approach to identifying community transportation priorities. Her transportation decisions exemplified the maxim ``Think globally, act locally.'' Her dedication to the community is also demonstrated by her service on the city's Planning Commission, the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, the Bay Area Council Economic Institute and through her public service programming at Peninsula Television. She is also a long- time member of the Redwood City-San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. Business cannot survive without water. When the water supply for San Francisco and the Peninsula was endangered by an ill-conceived ballot measure in San Francisco, Rosanne led the local effort in the successful campaign to defeat the measure. Rosanne Foust never loses sight of the people left behind by our booming economy. She is a champion of affordable housing and understands how skyrocketing housing prices and rents are squeezing working families out of the Bay Area. Just recently, she led the city council to increase the number of affordable housing units within a new downtown project of 2,500 housing units from the proposed 250 apartments to the final agreement--375. More than 125 additional working families will now be able to live in downtown Redwood City. This is just one of many examples of her advocacy on behalf of equal economic opportunity. Redwood City is fortunate to have a leader in Rosanne Foust. She has served as the treasurer and board member of Casa de Redwood, a low-cost housing complex for 136 senior citizens. Rosanne was willing to take time from her family and business priorities to serve as a steward of housing for these otherwise vulnerable members of our community. In Rosanne Foust, the community has had a vocal advocate for social justice. Her tireless efforts to benefit our community have not gone unnoticed. The San Francisco Business Times honored her as one of the ``Most Influential Women in Business in the Bay Area'' in 2009 and 2010 and a member of the ``Forever Influential Honor Roll'' for 2011, 2012 and 2013. Notre Dame de Namur University honored her as the first Alumna of Distinction in 2013. The Redwood City Chamber of Commerce named her Person of the Year in 2002 and 2013 and Athena Businesswoman of the Year in 2002. Rosanne was born and raised in Connecticut. She earned an MA in Public Administration and a BA in International Studies and Economics. She also completed executive management programs at Stanford University and UCLA's Anderson Graduate School of Management. Rosanne is married to Jim Hartnett and they are the proud parents of Julia and Lydia Foust and Josh and Jake Hartnett. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to thank Rosanne Foust for twelve years of public service on the City Council of Redwood City. She will now relinquish to others the duties of diligent analysis and thoughtful commentary on the issues that shape her city each day. Her example sets a high standard for those who follow. Rosanne Foust led Redwood City with her heart, and its residents will forever benefit by that remarkable contribution to its future.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Robert G. Gottschalk, the current Mayor of Millbrae, California, for his twelve years of service on the Millbrae City Council. Mr. Gottschalk served on the council from 2001-2009 and then again from 2011-2015. He was Mayor for three terms and Vice Mayor for three terms. Just a few years ago, Millbrae, like most cities on the San Francisco Peninsula, undertook a retrenchment involving substantial budget cuts and changes to service delivery. Although many of these changes arrived shortly before Robert Gottschalk returned to the city council, the city's residents counted on Robert and his colleagues to nurture the experiment into a success. Recently, changes occurred to Millbrae's fire department. In both instances, Robert and his colleagues worked hard to ensure that change delivered value for city residents. Robert also worked hard to identify a sound development partner for the city in several areas near the Millbrae BART station. Surrounding properties, and BART's own property, hold great promise for residents and the city's treasury. Robert Gottschalk sought to support transit- oriented development throughout this area while also ensuring that existing Millbrae residents benefitted through additional sales tax that may support city services. For the last three years, Mr. Gottschalk has served on the HEART Board of Directors, an affordable housing fund, that helps to relieve the hardship that too many of our neighbors suffer due to the skyrocketing housing prices in the Bay Area. The lack of affordable housing is unfortunately the defining problem of our time and the leadership of our elected officials is needed to address it. In his duties on the council, Mayor Gottschalk served on the Finance Committee, the Loan Review Committee, the Airport Land Use Committee and the SFO Airport Community Roundtable. I've been working closely with him and other local and federal officials to solve the airport noise crisis that has become a health problem for many residents in San Mateo County. In his service on the Airport Community Roundtable, and on the council, his legal expertise is invoked to ensure that Millbrae remains as noise-free as possible, and that the community's interests are understood by airport and federal officials. During his 12 years on the council, Councilman Gottschalk has been part of many milestones in town. He was instrumental in completing the construction of the Millbrae library and the expansion of the countywide library system. As a long-time board member of the Sister Cities Commission, he led the effort and signed friendship city agreements with Kai Ping, China in 2009 and with Hanyu, Japan in 2014. He has traveled to China five times. He has also been very active in improving county emergency services and in relieving traffic congestion. Mr. Gottschalk brought impressive experience to the city council. He earned a BA from San Jose State University in 1968, an MBA in Finance from UC Berkeley in 1975 and a JD from UC Hastings College of the Law the same year. He has practiced law in Millbrae for 15 years. Prior to that, he had a 21-year-career in the banking industry. He served for 26 years in the military, including on an aircraft carrier in Vietnam, and retired as Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor Robert Gottschalk for his service to the city of Millbrae and to our country. Few are called to serve, and even fewer go willingly into the daily toil of democracy. Whether in our nation's armed forces or as a thoughtful voice of reason on a city council, Robert Gottschalk is one who has contributed greatly to his city and country. It is now time for him to turn over the reins of responsibility to another council, but he does so knowing that he not only did his best on behalf of his community, but that his service is an example of why local democracy in America is the most trusted level of government. We sincerely thank him for a job exceedingly well done.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Steve Okamoto for his four years of service on the Foster City City Council, and for his many significant contributions to our community. During his term, Steve was instrumental in accomplishing many objectives that have shaped Foster City. The parks system was built out as Werder Park and Destination Park were completed this year. In 2014, the city's smoking ordinance was implemented, the implementation of the fire management shared services model with San Mateo and Belmont was completed, a gatekeeper ordinance for development projects was implemented, a synthetic softball/soccer field at Edgewater Park was completed, and a 15-acre site was sold and developed into the new Foster Square. In 2013, Phase III of the Levee Pedway Repair Project was completed, a synthetic soccer/baseball filed at Sea Cloud Park and a synthetic soccer field/walking track at Port Royal Park were completed and finally the voters approved Business License Tax Measure U. Additionally, Steve served on the Airport Community Roundtable, the Airport Land Use Committee, the Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance, as the liaison to the San Mateo-Foster City Elementary School District, and as the liaison to the City's Parks and Recreation Commission. Steve's commitment to the residents and community of Foster City has been unshakable. He has been a resident for over 34 years and he and his wife Diana have raised their family there. They are the proud parents of two grown children, Brad, 32 and Katie, 31. Steve was born in San Francisco, attended Lowell High School, and graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in business. He had a successful career in the financial industry for almost four decades and then worked for the American Cancer Society for ten years raising tens of millions of dollars for the agency. When he was elected to the city council, he retired from the American Cancer Society so that he could devote all of his time and energy to his new responsibilities. During his service, he's been a voice of reason and responsibility while on the city council, and a person deeply concerned about the future of his community. I take special note of his concern about the impact of airport noise on the residents of Foster City. For several years, he has served on the San Francisco Airport Community Roundtable and worked closely with my office to reduce the number of overflights of jet aircraft approaching San Francisco International Airport. His work culminated in a recent agreement with the FAA that would, in part, have the FAA examine whether it is feasible to use a slightly different approach to the airport. If, at some point in the future, the residents of Foster City sleep better at night, they will have Steve Okamoto, in part, to thank for that outcome. In his broader public service, Steve has for years educated our community about the civil rights tragedy that we know as the internment of Japanese American citizens at the start of World War II. He and his committee of volunteers are actively raising funds to create a memorial at the site of the Tanforan Assembly Center that was the starting point for the transportation of Japanese Americans into the heartland of America during a time when racism and a failure of political leadership allowed our fellow citizens to be incarcerated for no reasons other than fear and bigotry. Steve was himself interned in his early years. America has since apologized for this historic injustice, and when the Tanforan Memorial is constructed it will be a lasting reminder in our community that we can never let anger and bigotry trample the civil rights of our fellow Americans. Deeply dedicated to the dignity of seniors, Steve also serves as honorary chair of Komochi, San Mateo, a community service organization that delivers services in the Japanese tradition of respect and care for the elderly. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor an extraordinary public servant, human being and good friend. Steve Okamoto is one of the most conscientious people I know, and he has always dedicated himself entirely to any task at hand. When Steve speaks, our community listens. When we look amongst us for an outstanding citizen, we see Steve Okamoto. We will miss him in public life, but will certainly have his guidance through private actions for years to come.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman just referred to H.R. 3859 as a unanimous bill that came out of Homeland Security. She spoke about how this measure is going to get rid of reporting requirements and antiquated elements regarding homeland security. Meanwhile, Members, we have a travesty on our hands, and we are doing nothing about it. We just witnessed the 353rd mass shooting of the year in this country. We are all concerned about homegrown terrorists. We had a homegrown terrorist who annihilated 14 people and injured many more just last week. We have a huge loophole in the law that allows persons who are on the no-fly list to purchase guns in this country. If we believe that they should not have the right to fly, why should they have the right to own a gun? People like Faisal Shahzad was already on the no-fly list when he attempted to bomb Times Square on May 1, 2010. If he had decided to walk into a gun store that day and purchase a gun, he would have been able to do so. This makes no sense. It is time for us to engage in common sense. It is time for the Homeland Security Committee to come together in a unanimous fashion and pass H.R. 1076. There is a discharge petition on the floor. This bill should come before the full House. Vote however you want to, but give each and every Member of this House the opportunity to be recorded on whether or not one wants people who are on suspected terrorist lists to be able to buy a gun. For those who may be on that list for purposes that are wrong or in error, so they have to wait 3 days before they get the gun. Better to have safety in this country for all Americans, better to have persons who do not belong in a position of owning a gun, but belong on the list not to fly, to not be able to buy a gun.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Michael Salazar for his six years of service on the San Bruno City Council, the last year as Vice Mayor. I came to know Michael during his first year on the council when a horrendous tragedy killed eight residents and destroyed a neighborhood in the city he represented. Michael rose to the unthinkable challenges related to the PG&E gas pipeline explosion of 2010 and helped guide the city through the aftermath. Michael served on the council subcommittee on schools, on the subcommittee on utilities and garbage, and he represented San Bruno on the county's Peninsula Clean Energy Advisory Board. He also served on the council committee known as Project Pride. The committee's goal is to instill in San Bruno residents a feeling of pride about the community by increasing communication between ever-larger numbers of San Bruno residents. San Bruno is a wonderful community, and the city's focus on community spirit is an important objective of the council. During his time on the council, Michael Salazar was also instrumental in establishing the guidelines for the San Bruno Community Foundation, a non-profit created by the City Council to manage a $70 million restitution fund to benefit the entire San Bruno community after the PG&E explosion. Establishing this independent non-profit allows the city to engage very large numbers of residents in setting goals and building more community benefits that will last for decades. Michael has encouraged residents to let their voices be heard before the board of the nonprofit, and to actively engage in helping to set priorities. On every issue that came before the council, Michael showed deep understanding and commitment to the best possible outcome. Councilman Salazar works in technology, biotechnology and finance, and has done so for over two decades. The council and the residents benefited greatly from his years of experience in the private sector. He was exhaustive in his examination of the city's budgets, and encouraged city staff to explore new ways to deliver city services. There have been many difficult issues confronted in the remarkable community of San Bruno during the time that Michael served on the council. These include but are not limited to downtown height limits, grade separating Caltrain, dealing with the aftermath of the 2010 gas pipeline explosion, reducing city expenditures during the recession, and identifying priorities and funding mechanisms for the replacement of aging public infrastructure. Michael was unfailingly respectful towards his colleagues and the public during these long conversations. San Bruno is a city that pays special attention to children, and it has many active houses of worship. Michael coached several youth sports leagues, such as Tee Ball, Jr. Giants Baseball and AYSO Soccer. He has been very active in the schools and at Saint Robert's Catholic Church where he serves as a Eucharistic minister, helped with a children's liturgy group and served as a member of the social concerns committee. As a longtime board member of St. Robert's and chairman of the parish festival, he volunteered many hours of his time. He also regularly participates in San Bruno's Building Together projects and the annual Clean Sweep event. Michael was born in San Francisco and holds a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Rochester, New York. Michael and his wife, Sandra, have been married for 18 years and have two sons, Michael and Nicholas. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor my good friend and colleague Michael Salazar. I deeply admire and respect him for his integrity, diligence and commitment to others. As an unfailingly polite voice during times of challenge, he set the gold standard for patience when tried by circumstance. He will be missed but fondly remembered as he begins a new life of private endeavor after his distinguished years in service to his outstanding community of San Bruno.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Marge Colapietro for eight years of dedicated service on the Millbrae City Council, including a term as Vice Mayor in 2011 and as Mayor in 2012. Marge's commitment to her community is unparalleled. She has logged precisely 24,274 hours of public service since she was elected to the council in 2007. This is the kind of precision and accountability that characterizes Marge's way of approaching problem solving in service to her constituents. I am proud to call her a colleague and dear friend. During her tenure on the city council, Marge has always sought the greatest good for Millbrae's residents and businesses. She worked hard to protect safety services, helped attract businesses to the city, used prudent spending practices to control the budget during very difficult fiscal times in our nation's history, and she has always been attentive to her constituents both young and old. My staff reports that she regularly sought assistance for her constituents with federal issues, and always wanted to be kept up-to-date on whether or not a problem was resolved. Marge Colapietro's public service has been marked by thorough analysis of opportunities facing the City of Millbrae, constant interactions with an ever-changing city population, and a staunch belief that local decision making about land use and public services is a key tool in maintaining Millbrae's outstanding quality of life. With a 37-year career in global transportation services, Marge brought invaluable experience and expertise to the table. Millbrae, in addition to being a tree-lined community of families and multiple generations, is a transportation hub resting adjacent to San Francisco International Airport. Due to its strategic location, Millbrae has wonderful prospects in its future. To bolster these prospects while preserving Millbrae's small-town character, Marge served on a long list of committees, including the Cultural Arts Committee, the Downtown Process Committee, Millbrae Community Television, the Senior Advisory Committee, the Tourism Committee, and the Youth Advisory Committee. She also played an essential role in ballot measures to save Millbrae's fire services. Marge is passionate about bolstering the middle class and working families of her community, as well as housing and emergency preparedness. This passion is reflected in her multiple assignments through the city council. Regionally Marge represented Millbrae on the Airport Community Roundtable, the Airport Land Use Committee, C/CAG's Board of Directors, the League of California Cities Public Safety Advisory Committee, the San Mateo Council of Cities, the San Mateo County Office of Emergency Services, the San Mateo County Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities, and the San Mateo County Regional Housing Needs Allocation Policy Advisory Committee. From this long, yet incomplete, list you can see how she arrived at more than 24,000 hours of service. Marge is the ultimate volunteer on behalf of Millbrae's best interests. She made time for the American Cancer Society, the Special Olympics, the Lions Club, Rotary, the Millbrae library, the historical society, and Millbrae's outstanding schools. In 2001 Marge was honored as Millbrae Woman of the Year. In 2004, she received the California's Park and Recreation Society District IV Volunteer Award. In 2009, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Obama. RSVP, a senior volunteer organization, honored her with another Lifetime Achievement award for volunteering 4,000 hours in less than three years. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor one of the most dedicated and hands-on public servants our region will ever see. As a Councilmember and Mayor, Marge Colapietro's fingerprints are all over Millbrae and will be there for generations to come. If her colleagues and future members of the council learn even half of the lessons of stewardship that Marge has taught by example throughout these years, these council members will earn PhD's in public service. Marge Collapietro, the committed, energetic and completely thorough professor of stewardship is retiring from her post to become an emeritus professor of public life. We wish her all the best in her many years to come.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Barbara Pierce for her 16 years of outstanding service on the City Council of Redwood City, including one term as Mayor and one term as Vice Mayor. Barbara is the consummate public servant, never tiring of looking for ways to improve the city and the quality of life of its residents. During her four terms on the council, she served on many committees and represented Redwood City before many organizations--most of them as chair at one point--including the Peninsula Division of the League of California Cities, the League Housing Community Economic Development Committee, C/CAG's Congestion Management Environmental Quality Committee, the Bay Area Water Supply Conservation Agency, the Resource Management Climate Protection Committee, the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Redwood City 2020 Coordinating Council, the Grand Boulevard Task Force and the Bair Island Task Force. Conservation and environmental protection are core values of Barbara Pierce. She is the spiritual leader of Redwood City's purple pipes project that brought recycled water to Redwood Shores long before our drought made water conservation a necessity. At first, it wasn't easy educating the public about the need to use recycled wastewater, but Barbara's persistent and earnest efforts persuaded the public to choose wisdom in the use of resources over skepticism based upon ignorance. The experiment began in 2000 but really took off in 2007 when the city expanded the pipes throughout Redwood Shores through pump stations. The recycled water project saves hundreds of millions of gallons of drinking water each year, and leaves Redwood Shores as one of the few areas of green landscaping during the current drought. Barbara has played a significant role in just about every modern decision and process that has shaped Redwood City and made its vibrant downtown a reality. She played a leadership role in the creation of Courthouse Square, the restoration of the entry to the San Mateo County History Museum, Theatre Way and the retail cinema complex. She was also instrumental in the building of the Redwood Shores Library and the Redwood Shores Child Care Center. She worked hard to address traffic congestion, housing, climate change, water supply, and public safety issues, and to build a successful and sustainable community. Her secret to success is collaboration. She strives to work with members of the community and to find a way for everyone to win. Her ethic of conservation is a direct consequence of her concern about future generations. In addition to her council duties, Barbara led efforts for 25 years at the Redwood City Education Foundation and saved an outdoor education program and created a music program for 3,500 students. She has served on the board of the San Mateo County Historical Association, the Community Emergency Response Team, the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Group and ARTS RWC. She is also a long- time Girl Scout leader, classroom volunteer and site council member. Barbara has a big heart and her love of Redwood City is only secondary to her love of her family. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland and grew up in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. She graduated with a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology from Moravian College and Catholic University of America, respectively. Thirty-five years ago she and her husband Jerry made Redwood City their home. They have two grown daughters, Andrea Koenig and Amanda Pierce, both of whom have made them very proud. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor Barbara Pierce for her unwavering commitment to the residents of Redwood City. A compassionate steward of the interests of children and the environment, a stalwart supporter of strong public safety services, and a woman who dedicated tens of thousands of hours of her personal time to the interests of others, Barbara is now leaving for some well- deserved rest. It is beyond her ability, however, to simply retire, and retirement for Barbara Pierce will likely involve watching her former council colleagues on the local community access channel rather than being there in person. Barbara Pierce never earned an Emmy for her performance on the City Council, but she earned the love and respect of her community, an award that counts for much more than a statue, and an award that will echo throughout generations yet to come.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor David Braunstein for his eight years of service on the Belmont City Council, once as Mayor in 2009 and again in 2015. Mayor Braunstein leaves with a distinguished legacy of service to the residents of Belmont. During his tenure on the council, he served as a member of the Joint Notre Dame de Namur and Belmont City Council committee, the city's audit committee, is the former chair of the library community task force, former chair of the library steering committee and former chair of the library bond committee. David Braunstein has also been a board member of the Center for Independence of the Disabled, and was a member of the city's economic development committee. Education is a core value in Belmont. David Braunstein is deeply committed to this value as evidenced by his career as a teacher at Carlmont High School and through his related council activities. While on the council, he has served as part of the city-school district committee known as 2 + 2 which identifies ways in which the district and city may collaborate to the benefit of Belmont residents. Belmont is a city filled with the joyful sounds of children laughing. Three of those children are Mayor Braunstein's: Isaac, Noah and Yakira. They attend Ralston Middle School and Fox Elementary School where David and his wife, Patricia, are actively involved in school life. Even though he is incredibly busy as Mayor and as a teacher, David Braunstein made time in his life to be an AYSO and Little League coach, and served as a volunteer football coach at Carlmont High School. For David Braunstein, kids count. Community building is in Mayor Braunstein's DNA. He has served on the National Night Out Planning Committee and helped to create one of the largest National Nights Out on the Peninsula. He is a tireless advocate to make our neighborhoods better and safer places, and served on the San Mateo County Emergency Services Council. During his time on the council, Mayor Braunstein has conducted himself in a collaborative manner, both with his council colleagues and elected officials from other cities. He is proud to have been part of purchase of Ralston Avenue Vista Point which offers incredible views. The city purchased 34 acres, sold some land, made a profit and was able to preserve open space. David was born in San Jose. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science at UCLA and his Master's in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University. He also holds a California Teacher Credential from San Francisco State University. After his retirement from the city council, David Braunstein is looking forward to spending more time with his family and watching his young children grow up. He is also hoping to find more time for travel, reading, cooking and photography--children's schedules permitting. Mr. Speaker, as the people of Belmont contemplate Mayor Braunstein's contribution to their well-being, they will recognize that he possessed superior leadership skills and leaves having accomplished his objective, and having set an outstanding example for his successors. I know the House of Representatives joins me in wishing him well in his future adventures.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Raymond C. Miller for his extraordinary 16 years of service on the Brisbane City Council, four terms as Mayor. Dr. Miller served from 1984-1995 and again from 2011- 2015 and has made significant contributions to the city and San Mateo County. Dr. Miller cares deeply about government transparency, accountability and responsiveness. The fiscal and environmental health of Brisbane are of utmost importance to him. This is very well reflected in the work he has done on a long list of committees, subcommittees and boards. He served on the Airport Land Use Committee, the Complete Streets Safety Committee, the City Sustainability Committee, the Open Space & Ecology Committee, the Facilities/Water Sewer Subcommittee, the Finance Subcommittee, and several others. As a retired Political Economy and Interdisciplinary Social Science professor at San Francisco State University for 44 years, Councilman Miller has an extensive understanding of the public policy process. For example, Dr. Miller has been deeply involved in the contract negotiations for the development of the Baylands, a 600-acre site on the edge of San Francisco Bay, the evaluation of the draft Environmental Impact Report, and the development of sustainability goals. During his last term as Mayor, Dr. Miller helped restructure the city budget to create a more user-friendly document. He worked with the council to place a business license tax for liquid storage facilities on the ballot, to approve a contract for a hotel feasibility market study for Sierra Point, and to conduct labor negotiations during tough financial times. He also spent many hours as editor of Brisbane's 50th Anniversary History Book Project. Raymond Miller was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1934. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Public Administration from the University of Denver in 1955, a Master's degree in Social Science from the University of Chicago in 1958 and a Ph.D. in Social Science from Syracuse University in 1966. He served as president of the Society of International Development and the Association for Integrative Studies where he was a founding editor of Issues in Integrative Studies. He also is the author of International Political Economy: Contrasting World Views and the recipient of the Kenneth Boulding Award from the Association for Integrative Studies. Dr. Miller married his wife of 55 years, Anja, in Helsinki. They moved to Brisbane in 1966 and she also served on the Brisbane City Council in 1970. They have a daughter, Elna, who lives in town with her twin daughters Julianne and Marissa. In his well-deserved retirement, Dr. Miller is looking forward to spending more time with his family and enjoying theater, ballet and Dixieland jazz. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor an exceptional scholar and public servant whose intellect and expertise have greatly benefitted the City of Brisbane. Raymond C. Miller's retirement will leave a big void on the city council, but his significant contributions will be felt for years to come.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Art Kiesel for his eight years of service on the Foster City City Council, twice as Mayor and twice as Vice Mayor. Foster City is losing an outstanding public servant and advocate for well-reasoned public policy, as well as a man widely known for his kindness and sense of humor. During his tenure, Art supported many city initiatives that were instrumental in shaping Foster City for the better for many years to come. The parks system was built out as Werder Park and Destination Park were completed this year. In 2014, the city's smoking ordinance was implemented. In recent years, the city entered into a fire management shared services model with San Mateo and Belmont, delivering operational efficiencies for residents while strengthening department performance. The city established a gatekeeper ordinance for development projects to create an early vetting process for large developments. It also added a synthetic softball/soccer field at Edgewater Park and a 15-acre site was sold and developed into the new Foster Square. Phase II of the Levee Pedway Repair project was completed in 2009 and in 2013 Phase III was finished. The city also installed a synthetic soccer/baseball field at Sea Cloud Park and a synthetic soccer field/walking track at Port Royal Park, all during Art's tenure on the council. The construction of the VIBE Teen Center, a favorite hangout for 6th-12th graders after school and on weekends, was also completed during Art's time on the council. The city is embarking on a multi-year effort to increase the height of the levee that protects Foster City, an urgent improvement in an era of rising seas. Art Kiesel has been a strong proponent of this project and of protecting his community for decades to come. Foster City has a reputation for outstanding financial management. Art and his colleagues on the council have delivered strong financial performance through times that were both good and bad. This stewardship earned the trust of residents, as was demonstrated when the voters approved Business License Tax Measure U and a 10% transient occupancy tax. It is important to note that serving on a city council is essentially a volunteer job. You would not recognize it as such when reviewing Art Kiesel's additional duties as a councilmember. He served on the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Legislative Committee of C/ CAG, the Airport Community Roundtable, the Council of Cities, the League of California Cities, the city's Audit Committee and Arts and Culture Committee, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and served as the council's liaison to the San Mateo Union High School District. Art Kiesel is basically the Eveready Energizer Bunny of city councilmembers. Art and his wife Janis have lived in Foster City for 24 years. They have two sons, Scott and John, and two granddaughters. Art is a third generation San Franciscan and was raised in the city until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965. While Art has been a successful financial consultant for almost 30 years with some of the largest businesses in the Bay Area as his clients, he has always made it a priority to serve the community. His civic engagement began in 2000 when he served on the Information Technology Advisory Committee for four years. He continued on the Traffic Review Committee and the Planning Commission. He graduated from the Foster City Citizens Police Academy in 2002 and the Community Emergency Response Team in 2007. His community involvement has been just as extensive as he has been involved with the Lions Club, Canine Companions for Independence and San Mateo 4-H Clubs for decades. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor a great man, public servant and good friend. Art Kiesel stands for integrity, commitment and perseverance. He will be missed in Foster City's public life, but his contributions will make Foster City a stronger and more vibrant community for decades to come.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor John ``Jack'' Matthews for his twelve years of service on the San Mateo City Council--two terms as Mayor--and his many contributions to our community. Councilman Matthews served on the Housing Endowment and Regional Trust (HEART), C/CAG, the Emergency Services Council, and the Local Policy Maker Group for Caltrain Electrification and High Speed Rail. These names with obscure meanings mask organizations of enormous importance to our community. Fortune smiled on us when Jack Matthews agreed to these assignments. Jack also served on the Grand Boulevard Initiative, the Civic Arts Committee and the homeless outreach team. One of his proudest moments was the 40th anniversary celebration of San Mateo's relationship with the 101st Airborne Division during Memorial Day Weekend in 2012 when the city also hosted its sister city Toyanaka, Japan. During his tenure on the council, he has been a voice of reason. In subtle contrast to his otherwise quiet nature he has been insistent about the issue of equal opportunity for all. This core value of Jack Matthews is best demonstrated by the very active role he played in the development of affordable housing in San Mateo. Jack and his council colleagues have helped create Peninsula Station, an affordable development for 60 families, as well as Delaware Pacific, housing 120 low income families at the former site of the police station. Rather than wring its hands over the problem of homelessness, San Mateo, in large part through Jack's leadership, grappled with the problem and developed a solution--buying and redeveloping the Hotel Vendome. Upon opening, one new resident remarked to a reporter that she had taken her first shower in many years. Jack and his enlightened colleagues on the San Mateo City Council offered that woman more than a shower. She regained her dignity. Jack also supported construction of an award-winning, beautiful new library, a Transit Center, the creation of Draeger's Market, a new downtown cinema, a new police station, the emergence of Bay Meadows as a regional transit and housing hub, and new transit-oriented development at the Hayward Park Caltrain station. He also supported historic changes to the organization of the fire department. Some councilmembers serve and never witness any of these types of changes. Jack helped shepherd all of them. Mr. Matthews is an architect and has his own firm, John Matthews Architects, located in downtown San Mateo since 1986. His firm is responsible for the design and significant storefront improvements at the St. Matthew Hotel, Kaffee Haus, Tomatina, AcquaPazza Ristorante, Vault 164, M is for Mystery Bookstore and others. In 1992, he served as president of the American Institute of Architects for San Mateo County and from 1994 to 1996 he was a board member of the AIA California Council. Community service is in Jack's DNA. A long-time volunteer with the Boy Scouts, he has additionally served on the Board of Directors of H.I.P. Housing, a non-profit providing housing to over 1,000 people. Born in San Francisco, Jack grew up in San Carlos and attended Carlmont High School. He graduated from California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in architecture in 1972. Two years later, he and his wife of 45 years, Patricia, moved to San Mateo and raised their four children, Domenic, Anthony, Benjamin and Desiree. Today they have four grandchildren, Delphine, Tessa, Stephen and Lorenzo. After his retirement from the city council, Jack is looking forward to spending more time with his family and pursuing his passion for the outdoors including hiking, backpacking and fly fishing. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor my good friend and colleague Jack Matthews for his dedicated service to the residents of his city. His outstanding work has helped make San Mateo a more beautiful and livable community. He has demonstrated by personal example that San Mateo has an enormous heart. We are losing a local leader who will soon become a man with additional time for leisure. There is no doubt that Jack will, even during times of quiet repose, be dreaming big dreams for his extended family--the people of the City of San Mateo.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor one of the most recognizable, watched and listened-to women in the Bay Area: Cheryl Jennings has been in the 5 o'clock news anchor chair at ABC7 KGO-TV for 27 years and worked at the station for 36 years. It is safe to say that she is one of the most trusted and admired reporters/anchors in our area and I am one of her staunchest fans. Cheryl is ostensibly slowing down, but not quite. She will continue to host her weekend show Beyond the Headlines and report more long-format stories like the series she recently did in Afghanistan. Over the decades Cheryl has reported on just about every topic, but all of her stories have one thing in common: she always finds an angle to help people. Cheryl is one of the most giving, empathetic and genuine people I know. The word ``no'' doesn't exist in her vocabulary. I have had the distinct honor to work with Cheryl on countless occasions. For years, she has been the masterful emcee at Professional Businesswomen of California and other programs. She has been the keynote speaker at my Congressional events for middleschoolers and seniors. As a journalist, she is warm and inviting, but always professional and insistent on the truth. I took on the issue of rape and sexual assault in the military about five years ago. Many stories have been written and produced about this horrendous epidemic, but it was Cheryl Jennings who produced, wrote and reported the most comprehensive and powerful piece on the subject that I have seen. Cheryl learned the value of hard work, perseverance and public service early on. She was one of seven children born to a father who served in the U.S. Army and a mother who raised her and her siblings. As the oldest, Cheryl had lots of opportunity to change diapers, feed and take care of babies. The military sent Cheryl's family all over the world. By the time she started high school, she had changed schools more than a dozen times. She says that part was tough, but prepared her well for life in TV. Her original plans to become a teacher changed when she started college at City College of San Francisco. Her advisor told her to look for another career path because there were too many teachers. Cheryl interviewed two very rare women for a story in the college newspaper. They both worked in television, on air--almost unheard of in that era. The rest is history. Reporting was not an easy path. While she was earning her Bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University, she was rejected for volunteer-entry-level positions at TV stations 19 out of 20 times. Finally, a woman at the local NBC station hired her to work 50 hours a week while she continued to go to school. Her pay? Nothing. But her hard work and perseverance eventually paid off. The NBC station hired her as a paid receptionist, she worked her way into the newsroom, and in 1979, KGO TV hired her as a night reporter. The entire Bay Area became her classroom and she has taught her lessons exceptionally well. Cheryl has travelled the world to tell stories--Mexico, Kosovo, Afghanistan, South Africa, Korea, Israel and the West Bank. Here at home, one of the most memorable stories she covered was the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. She was the first local reporter on the air thanks to the station's quick power generator. KGO's coverage earned the team two of the most prestigious broadcast awards, a George Foster Peabody Award and the Radio Television News Directors Association Edward R. Murrow Award. Cheryl says this was the moment she understood just how vital television is in providing public service. Doing good is what drives Cheryl. In 2003, she co-founded the Roots for Peace Children's Penny Campaign, a non-profit that removes landmines in war-torn countries and builds and repairs schools. She works with the Taylor Family Foundation and the Okizu Foundation to help children with life-threatening illnesses. She lends her voice and passion to many non-profit events that raise awareness and funds. All of this amazing work has earned Cheryl many awards, including six Gracie Awards, but what matters most to her are the children and families whose lives she has touched. Cheryl has been married to the love of her life Richard Pettibone for 29 years. They enjoy sharing adventures together, whether it's a safari in Africa or a hike on a local beach. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor Cheryl Jennings, a first-rate journalist and extraordinary woman whom I am honored to call a dear friend. I know that she will continue her outstanding work on the air and off the air. Cheryl is a true treasure to her family, our local community and the world.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for joining in this effort tonight. I would like to thank my colleague and coauthor of the House version of this bill, H.R. 2191, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, for her support and leadership on this issue. I want to also thank Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Enzi. Senator Feinstein has supported this legislation. She was actually the original author of the legislation back in 1997. Breast cancer, there is probably not one person in this room who hasn't been touched by breast cancer either themselves, through a family member, or through a friend. Our courageous colleagues, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Senator Heidi Heitkamp, and spouses of many Members have all been impacted. My mother survived breast cancer. One of my best friends did not. My health legislative assistant who worked on this legislation lost her mother to breast cancer. She was only 13 years of age when her mother died. This is an important bill. What is most important about it is the fact that we have made some progress. But still, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is still the second leading cause of death for women in this country. What is really important about this legislation is the genesis of this legislation. It is an all-American story. It reminds me of the quote by Margaret Mead: ``Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.'' In this case, there is the story of an immigrant who came to this country, got educated here, and became a doctor at 26. He became a breast cancer surgeon in Sacramento, California. His name is Dr. Ernie Bodai. He was concerned and frustrated by the slow pace of breast cancer research and all the surgeries he found himself doing over and over again. So what did this breast cancer surgeon do? He came to Congress. He made 15 trips to Congress. He spent over $100,000 of his personal money to convince Congress to pass a bill authorizing a breast cancer stamp. In so doing, he was able to generate over, as we have heard already tonight, $80 million. In fact, we are coming close to having sold almost a million stamps in this country for breast cancer research. One man had a vision. He came to Congress. It took him over 2 years to convince us to do it, but we did it. It is time now to reauthorize the legislation, and I am hopeful that we will do it, because it has in fact shown to be very effective. In fact, it has been used in finding genes that are protective against breast cancer, linking treatment outcomes with certain genes, and identifying women with a low risk of recurrence who can be spared chemotherapy. So, my colleagues, this is an important bill to reauthorize. The deadline is, as we have been told, fast approaching. Let's continue the search for a cure. Let's be part of that search by buying breast cancer stamps and by reauthorizing the bill.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Terry Nagel, the retiring Mayor and member of the Burlingame City Council. The word ``indefatigable'' comes to mind when reciting Terry Nagel's public service. Mayor Nagel joined the Burlingame City Council in 2003 after receiving the highest number of votes in any council race. She has served three terms as Mayor. When she launched her council career, she had to do so in periodic darkness because the local power company frequently failed to supply Burlingame with electricity, largely owing to antiquated infrastructure that left the city prone to blackouts during storms. It should be noted that although the power company sometimes failed to provide electricity because of this old equipment, it found a way to buy modem equipment so that Burlingame customers could receive monthly bills for the erratic electrical service. Over several years, Terry Nagel pressured the power company to change its priorities and to spend millions of dollars to make sure the system is reliable, both for Burlingame and surrounding communities. She still receives phone calls during storms from residents who thank her for keeping the lights on. While every council member shares in the success of a community, Terry Nagel initiated many of the most notable successes, including a recent rebirth of Burlingame Avenue that has given the town a beacon for families, newcomers and visitors. The project took many years to undertake and then to complete, but the results are indisputable. Burlingame's main street is attractive and distinctive, with upgraded businesses to match the beautiful public infrastructure. Terry Nagel can rightfully claim that she helped to create a welcoming and charming cityscape that will be enjoyed by multiple generations. Mayor Nagel has promoted open government, fiscal responsibility and championed emergency preparedness. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. She started the Burlingame Pet Parade, a fun-filled family event in Burlingame's community calendar. In conjunction with her public service, she created the Community Wish List that connects donors with over 80 community nonprofits. She has extensive professional experience managing nonprofits and promoting such venerable institutions as the Stanford Law School. She is a former reporter for our local newspaper, and she is a graduate of the University of Washington, cum laude, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Mayor Nagel and her husband Jim Nagel have lived in Burlingame for 32 years. If you do the math, you'll realize that her family, including sons Matt and Greg and daughter Katie, have seen Mayor Nagel walk out the door in service to the public for nearly 40% of the time that she has lived in town. This represents thousands of hours outside the home, in dedication to her neighbors and generations yet to come. That's thousands of hours away from her family, yet her family has been rock solid in its support of her vision. We rise today to honor a great leader of the City of Burlingame and my friend and colleague Terry Nagel. She says that her focus is on communication and building consensus. In fact, it is all of those things and more. She is the penultimate community steward, and although we wish her well in her next adventures, we can also truly say that she will be missed in the years ahead.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sue Currin for her 34 years of exemplary service at San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, the last six years as Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Currin has dedicated her life and career to providing every member of our community with quality health care. Thanks to Ms. Currin's innovative and steadfast leadership, San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center today is the sole provider of trauma and emergency psychiatric care for the City and County of San Francisco serving a diverse patient population and offering a wide spectrum of inpatient and outpatient services. The medical center serves about 100,000 patients a year and provides 20 percent of the city's inpatient care. Ms. Currin secured $6 million in grant funding for a nursing internship program, a medication error reduction project, patient safety initiatives, and a transportation from hospital to home program. She was also essential in developing the Acute Care for the Elderly unit. That unit improves patient outcomes and satisfaction while shortening hospital stays and reducing nursing home admissions. Additional major achievements were the development of the first Palliative Care Program for San Francisco's underserved and the Lean Management System at the hospital. And most recently, Ms. Currin succeeded in starting construction of an acute care building that is expected to open in the spring of 2016. This new facility will be equipped with the most advanced technology that will give every San Franciscan access to the best available healthcare. It will truly be an example of a state-of-the-art 21st century hospital and an enduring reminder of all the amazing work she has done. I deeply admire Sue Currin's perseverance, vision and dedication to others. She started at General Hospital as a student nurse in 1975 and rose through the ranks of staff nurse, nurse educator, Director of Staff Development and Quality Management, Chief Nursing Officer/Chief Operating Officer and finally CEO. She also worked at Kaiser Permanente for three years where she was responsible for quality management, medical staff services, infection control, medical record, member services and risk management over four medical centers. Quality control is part of Ms. Currin's DNA and inactivity alien to her character. While Ms. Currin held one of the most demanding jobs in the health care profession, she made time to serve on several boards and committees, including the Hospital Councils of San Francisco and Northern and Central California, the American Hospital Association, the California Association of Public Hospitals, America's Essential Hospitals Education Committee and CareForce. As you can see from this list, Ms. Currin invented multitasking. As the daughter of a military family Sue Currin grew up traveling the world. After her older brother was born in Japan, her parents were transferred to Hamilton Air Force Base in California where she was born. The family then moved to France where her sister was born. From there it was back to the U.S., Illinois and again California. She attended American River Community College, Tacoma Community College in Washington, graduated with a BA in Science in Nursing from San Francisco State University and then with a Master's of Science in Nursing from the University of California, San Francisco. She and her husband of 34 years, Manny Ungson, have two successful and wonderful sons, Justin and Adam Currin Ungson. In her well-deserved retirement, Ms. Currin will finally have more time to quilt and to cook with her family, her favorite pastimes. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor Sue Currin, an outstanding hospital leader who has shaped the health care landscape of San Francisco and the Bay Area. Her tireless efforts to improve the lives of others and her contributions to the city will be felt for decades to come.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a broadcast legend who is celebrating his 40th anniversary at KGO Newstalk 810 today and who will be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in November. Ronn Owens is a household name in the Bay Area and beyond, a master in his field, and a remarkably talented, opinionated and intellectually curious man whom I am proud to call a good friend. I have spent many hours on the air with Ronn and he is always tough, thoughtful, informed and unpredictable. He has honed his skills in thousands of interviews with guests in the hot seat, including President Barack Obama, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, actor Steve Martin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 49er quarterback Joe Montana, singer Tony Bennett and a long list of Secretaries of State, CIA Directors, mayors and community leaders. His longevity and style on the air have earned him many prestigious awards: The Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, the National Association of Broadcaster's Marconi Award twice, Talkers Magazine's Top 25 Greatest Radio Talk Show Host of All Time, and now the National Radio Hall of Fame where he will be joining the likes of Edward R. Murrow, Bob Hope and Terry Gross. Ronn was born Ronald Lowenstein on October 17, 1945 in New York City. He graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1968 and launched his broadcast career hosting radio programs in Atlanta, Miami, Cleveland and Philadelphia. In 1975 he moved to San Francisco and began his four decade run at KGO radio. Today, he remains the only weekday talk radio host on the station and has a regular audience of half a million listeners. While Ronn is very vocal about his opinions--he also wrote a book titled Voice of Reason: Why the Left and Right Are Wrong--he is the first to admit when he is wrong. Facts matter and he is dedicated to seeking the truth. Last year, Ronn revealed a challenging personal truth to his listeners. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease over a decade ago. He decided to go public after the tragic death of Robin Williams who was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Ronn hasn't let his symptoms get in the way of doing his job. Recently he joked before surgery, ``If I come out and say, `you know, that Sarah Palin would make a heckuva president,' we'll know something went wrong.'' He meets the challenges of his disease with great courage and humor. Ronn started his radio career when analog reel-to-reel tape recorders, cartridges and turntables were modern, but he has stayed with the times, in fact he is an early adopter and loves technology. I remember when at a visit to his studio I pulled out my Blackberry to take a photo, and he burst out laughing making fun of my ``antique'' phone, I promptly bought an iPhone. The love for radio and story-telling has shaped Ronn's professional and personal life. He is married to former KGO and KCBS anchor Jan Black and they have two truly accomplished daughters, Sarah and Laura. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to honor Ronn Owens, an icon in radio news and commentary, for his extraordinary career. He has kept me and countless public officials on our political toes and will continue to do so for a long time.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 100th anniversary of a landmark in San Francisco that is beloved as an important gathering place for women and as a historic building. The Metropolitan Club at 640 Sutter Street today serves over 1,000 members and countless non- profits that use the beautiful building for meetings and events. The Metropolitan Club started in 1912-1914 as a vision of a group of Bay Area women who were determined to build an athletic club for women similar in size, grandeur and services to those available to men. These ladies were active in civic and charitable organizations and the preparations for the 1915 Panama Pacifica International Exposition. On October 25, 1915 their vision became a reality and the Women's Athletic Club of San Francisco was incorporated as the first women's athletic club west of Chicago. For a century now, the club has been a special place for women of all ages to pursue physical and intellectual fitness. The historic building was designed by Bliss & Faville, a prominent architectural firm that is responsible for landmarks such as the Bank of California, the Geary Theater, the Masonic Temple, Southern Pacific headquarters, China Basin, the Marines' Memorial Club and the University Club. After a major addition to the clubhouse was finished in 1923, the San Francisco Chronicle lauded the club as ``unlike anything in the United States maintained for and by women.'' The unique character of the Metropolitan Club has made it a desirable place for historic events. It became the unofficial headquarters for visiting women journalists who covered the signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco in 1945. In 1948, it was the only local club represented at the first Western meeting of UNESCO. In 2004, the Metropolitan Club received one of the most prestigious honors from the U.S. Department of the Interior; it was nominated to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places which is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. The Metropolitan Club was described as a ``place where the women who formed a club and generations of San Francisco women after them have met their friends, exercised, dined, played cards, celebrated holidays, attended lectures, entertained others and engaged in all the activities of the club.'' The same year, the 640 Heritage Preservation Foundation was created as a 502(c)3 with the mission to preserve the club's historic building and important heritage. Major seismic and life-saving renovations were completed in 2009 to prepare the club for its second century as the ``House that Women Built.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House of Representatives join me in saying happy 100th birthday to the Metropolitan Club which has touched the lives of countless San Francisco families and helped shape the history of our beautiful city by the bay.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Patricia Miljanich, a departing member of the Board of Trustees of the San Mateo County Community College District. Ms. Miljanich has served the public in her position since 1995, and she has been part of a board of trustees that has created over 20 years an outstanding college system for residents. When Trustee Miljanich began her service, the district had decades- old buildings, stagnant enrollment, and curriculum that needed upgrading. She and her fellow trustees went to work hiring new staff, passing several bonds, and overseeing the resurrection of a community gem. In addition to her role as a trustee, Patricia Miljanich has served on the board of the nonprofit corporation overseeing an innovative housing project on the campuses of the community colleges. She has also served as a board member of the foundation supporting the community colleges. As a result of her leadership and that of her board colleagues, the San Mateo County Community Colleges now have stunning state-of-the-art campuses, classes that offer a broad path to a four year institution, and several shorter programs that prepare students to be job ready through two year degrees and certificates. As a pathway to lifelong learning and prosperity, the college district reflects the vision of Trustee Miljanich that every young person, and many who are in mid- career or retirement, should view the community colleges as their ongoing ticket to a rigorous education. Ms. Miljanich has another side to her public service beyond her years as a trustee. At one point she served as a field representative for a member of the state assembly, and as a legal advocate for low income children while Director of Legal Services for Children in San Francisco. Most of all, Ms. Miljanich has distinguished herself as a remarkable leader of the nonprofit Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization that pairs caring adults with children who are in the protection of the courts when their parents cannot care for them. There is no question that Patricia Miljanich, in this role, has saved the lives of many children. CASA is an extraordinary organization which brings out the best of caring volunteers and matches it with the most basic need of a child: to have a friend and advocate during times of tremendous insecurity and trauma. Patricia is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of San Francisco School of Law. Her greatest archievements, no doubt, are her four children, Nicolene Mefford, Martine Miljanich, Peter Miljanich, and Sophia Miljanich, and her four grandchildren. Mr. Speaker and members, Patricia Miljanich is retiring from the Board of Trustees of the San Mateo County Community College District, but she will remain very active in our community. She put in countless hours during her 20 years of service to the district, and offered decades of additional help to children and our most vulnerable residents. As she leaves, the wind at her back is the force of those praying for her to succeed in her next adventure. As she will experience shortly, this wind will likely be a gale force event, so beloved is Patricia Miljanich in San Mateo County.

Ms. SPEIER

Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I am sick to my stomach this morning because we have just witnessed the 45th school shooting this year. There have been more than 294 mass shootings this year, and we have only had 272 days this year. I am not going to stand for another moment of silence on this floor unless it is joined with meaningful action. It is a hollow gesture to act like we care for these families when the truth is we don't care enough to act. Twenty-six times since Sandy Hook we have paused on this floor, we have paused to give our prayers and our sympathy to the families who have lost loved ones. But what are we doing for the next set of families that are going to lose loved ones? We are going to do nothing, absolutely nothing. In fact, we create more credibility in the fictionalized ``death panels'' than we do about the actual deaths of innocent schoolchildren, college students, and moviegoers. This is the truth: In America, more preschoolers are shot dead each year than police officers killed in the line of duty. Ninety-two Americans are shot to death each and every day. Ninety-two will be shot to death today. Do we care enough to do anything? If there were that many people dying each day due to terrorism, disease, faulty consumer products, you bet we would do something, but not when it comes to guns. When it comes to guns, we can only muster enough to stand up on this floor and be silent. What a tragedy. Our inaction means we are willing to let thousands of our fellow citizens die so we can prop up the myth that gun violence measures, which the Supreme Court has ruled ironclad under the Constitution, will somehow undermine the Second Amendment. By refusing to adopt the mental health and background check measures supported by 90 percent of the population and 74 percent of NRA members, we are doing the bidding of the NRA lobbyists and the gun manufacturers. We are not standing side by side with the victims of Umpqua and Charleston and Sandy Hook. We are shrugging and saying, ``Eh, stuff happens.'' Stuff does not just happen. As you can see on this chart, gun violence is dramatically down in States that have passed strong gun violence prevention laws. You can see the trends in other industrialized countries that have reacted wisely to gun violence. Australia had 13 mass shootings over 18 years. But then they put in strong laws to protect against gun violence, and they haven't had one mass shooting since then. In Canada and Norway, also, they tightened their gun laws in the wake of mass shootings, and gun violence rates are a fraction today of what they were. These countries are our closest allies. They are not Fascist regimes. If they can do it, we can do it. We need to make mental health reporting laws universal and enforce the ones already on the books. It is shameful that eight States have no mental health reporting laws and 13 States have submitted fewer than 100 mental health records each to the national background check system. By the way, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn says that his measure is the solution. He has even introduced his own bill, but he and his Caucus have declined to advance it. We have to make background checks universal by closing the gun show loophole and the loophole for online sales. These loopholes allow criminals, drug abusers, and mentally ill people who are already banned from having guns to get guns. Finally, we need to lift the ban on NIH and CDC research. Mr. Speaker, I will not stand for another one of these hypocritical moments of silence, but I will stand up for any effort we make to pass sensible and genuine gun safety laws. Lipservice alone is a disservice to these families and the next families who don't want our prayers, but want the lives of their loved ones back.