Eric Swalwell

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Chairman, the sacrifices of the few, our military veterans, provide the freedom for the many. We know that it is our military veterans, who only make up just 1 percent of our population, that provide 100 percent of our freedom. But far too many of our veterans seeking the disability assistance that they rightly earned are running into a severe backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nationwide, there are close to 800,000 pending disability claims at the VA, and almost 550,000 of these claims have been pending for over 125 days. At the Oakland VA in Oakland, California, which serves the 15th Congressional District, which I represent, the constituents in my district have been waiting, on average, a staggering 552 days. Over 81 percent of the constituents have been waiting over 125 days. This is the longest average wait time across the United States. These numbers are a national disgrace, and I'm ashamed that the veterans who have served our country and have fought so hard have to wait so long. Our military spends $1.8 billion a year recruiting young Americans to join our military. We spend it on NASCAR, Super Bowl ads, and we send our recruiters out to our schools to have our young men and women join in the honorable profession of defending our country, but we are neglecting the needs of the veterans. We're failing to keep the promises we make after they serve. This weekend I had the opportunity to go to a Salute to New Recruits who are going into the military. I looked at those young, bright faces of young men and women who are going to go off to serve their country, and I told them, You are doing something that is very brave and very noble, but I hope that your families and you stand up for the benefits that you are rightfully earning. Right now what we're seeing at the VA is shameful, Mr. Chairman. It's shameful that we would treat our veterans like this and not give them the benefits that they've earned. We're failing to live up to that solemn pledge that we've made to our Nation's wounded warriors. That's why this bill is so important. It reaffirms our commitment to caring for the men and women who made sacrifices to serve in uniform. It contains commonsense solutions to eliminate the disability claims backlog by mandating that the VA modernize the disability claims process, and it also ensures greater efficiency and accountability on the part of the VA. It would fully fund the President's requested budget to allow for an increase of the staff levels at the Veterans Benefits Administration. These funds would support an additional 94 claims processors, all of whom will work solely on disability claims, helping to address the heart of the backlog. Increasing staff levels, as we know, however, is not a silver bullet. Creating a more efficient and responsive VA is also necessary if the disability claims process is going to be fixed. Today, the VA spends, on average, 175 days waiting for the Department of Defense to send them a veteran's record, mostly because these records are still kept in the form of paper files. It's time we bring this process into the 21st century. In addition to moving away from paper files, it's clear that it would be far better for servicemembers and veterans, as well as taxpayers, for the DOD and the VA to maintain one integrated system for electronic health records. This bill seeks to move the DOD away from paper and towards an integrated system that can be used both for DOD and the VA. It also fully funds the Veterans Claims Intake Program, which is working to convert all those paper records the VA receives into digital files. Mr. Chairman, the constituents of the 15th Congressional District who served so honorably should not have to wait 552 days for their disability compensation cases to be processed. Those parts of the bill that I outlined will help to improve veterans' access to the benefits that they have earned and enable us to better live up to President Lincoln's promise in his second inaugural address: To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan. President Lincoln's words happen to be at the core of the VA's mission statement. Words, however, are not enough. Congress must act swiftly to fix the VA backlog with practical solutions and fulfill our pledge to veterans. We must leave no veteran behind when they come back. We must make sure that when we say ``thank you for your service'' to a veteran, that we mean it and we follow up with a meaningful and responsive claims process. The funding in this bill helps move us in that direction. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. Amendment Offered by Amodei

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. I rise today to ask Speaker Boehner to recognize that the time is now for this House to take up comprehensive immigration reform. I spent all of last week on an innovation road show. I went up and down Silicon Valley--and I have northern Silicon Valley in my district--and I listened to the job creators, I listened to the innovators. And one message is clear: we have unfilled jobs here in America that require immigration fixes, require increasing the H-1B visas so that we can create jobs behind high-skilled immigrants. We know that Silicon Valley was built on a three-legged stool: access to capital, brain trusts, and a risk-taking culture. And we know that immigrants build jobs behind them. They have that brain trust. They have that risk-taking culture. Forty percent of the largest companies in America were built by immigrants or the children of immigrants. It's time to also put the 11.5 million Americans who are undocumented on a pathway to citizenship. I've been on the ground. I've talked to the innovators, and I hear their cry. The time is now. So for the sake of our economy, and the sake of our communities, the right thing to do is to put these undocumented immigrants on a path to citizenship and to make sure that we can take high-skilled workers from across the world, put them in our country, and create thousands of new jobs behind them.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Jim Hansen, principal of Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, California. Jim will be retiring this year after serving the East Bay as both a principal and a teacher for over three decades. I benefitted personally from his thoughtful leadership when I was a student at Wells Middle School during his time as principal there. Jim was born and raised in the East Bay, where he attended St. Joseph's College High School. After high school, Jim worked his way through college where he held positions as a gardener, maintenance man, and many interesting jobs. He went to school at University of California, Berkley, where he majored in history. After earning his bachelor's degree, Jim took his first teaching job at St. Clement's School in Hayward, where he taught sixth grade science and physical education. While Jim was teaching at St. Clements, he also coached the Pleasanton Valley swim team. Jim then began teaching at St. Elizabeth's school. Jim transferred to Village High School in the Amador Valley Joint Union School District, teaching English to freshman and sophomore students. While teaching, Jim attended San Francisco State University, where he received his Master's degree in Education Technology. He later received his Administrative Services Credential from California State University, Hayward. In 1988, Jim became the principal of Valley Continuation High School in Dublin, while also serving as vice principal for Wells Middle School. Jim has also served as principal at Dublin High School, Wells Middle School, Harvest Park Middle School, and, most recently, at Amador Valley High School. Today, Jim resides in San Ramon, where he has lived with his wife, Judy and children, Kelly, Kevin, and Brian since 1986. Jim's service to the East Bay as both a teacher and administrator will be remembered for his openness and accessibility to both students and parents. I wish Jim the best in his retirement.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. I rise today to recognize Mark Croghan, the longest serving school administrator from Castro Valley Unified School District, which is in my district, who will be retiring this year after 27 years of service in the East Bay. Mark was raised and educated in Hayward, California. After a swimming career at Hayward High School, he earned a swimming scholarship to attend the University of California at Berkley, where he received his college degree. Mark began a long teaching career after college. He taught kids both in and out of the classroom, coaching a variety of sports, including swimming, basketball, softball, and he even served as the advisor for the ski team. After receiving his master's degree in 1993, Mark began his administrative career as an assistant principal of Canyon Middle School in Castro Valley. Since then, Mark has served as a principal at both Marshall Elementary and Canyon Middle School. Over his career as an administrator, Mark has created a positive learning environment and has prioritized the needs of students and their families. His leadership surely will be missed. But if Mark's past service is any evidence of what to expect of him in the future, surely we have a lot in store for what his public service will bring to our community. I wish Mark the best in his retirement. It is well earned.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. I rise in opposition, Mr. Speaker, to the Making College More Expensive Act. How short are some of the memories of my friends on the other aside, for it was market-based principles, unregulated market-based principles, that led to the housing crisis that we are just now getting out of. Doubling the student loan rate is an attack on students. The increased debt that they will take on will build a great wall around our middle class. There's no better way to have a healthy, growing middle class than access to education. Today, our middle class is shrinking. If you're in the middle class, you're making about $5,000 less than you were 10 years ago. If you're in the middle class, you owe about $25,000 more in debt than you did 10 years ago. Doubling the rates will increase the debt that our middle class has. I know a thing or two about student loans. I have thousands of dollars of them myself. This is not just dollars on interest rates. We are talking thousands of dollars that individual borrowers like myself and the people that grew up with me in a middle class town called Dublin will take on. Let's tear down this great wall that the GOP and the House leadership are trying to build around our middle class. Let's not double the rates.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H.R. 1344, the Helping Heroes Fly Act. I am a proud sponsor of this bipartisan legislation introduced by my friend Congresswoman Gabbard. Congresswoman Gabbard is a person who knows a thing or two about what it's like to be a combat veteran who comes back from the battlefield and who has to use our airports. Fortunately, she is back in one piece, but we know all too well that many of our veterans are not, and this bill eases their ability to move through our airports. It would extend benefits through TSA screenings at airports, benefits similar to the expedited PreCheck program, to severely injured or disabled veterans and to members of the armed services who fly. As it stands now, many of our Nation's wounded warriors report that screening protocols aren't properly standardized at airports around the Nation. Consistent treatment by screeners would help create certainty for the newly injured and give greater attention to addressing their privacy concerns. Despite TSA guidance to the contrary, some veterans report having been required to take off prosthetics in public view during screenings. This is a difficult process that our injured and veterans should not have to endure. In January, I met with Staff Sergeant Jason Ross from Livermore, California, in my district. Sergeant Ross was severely injured by an IED while honorably serving in Afghanistan and lost both of his legs. This bill would help ease the transition back home for wounded warriors and heroes like Sergeant Ross. The continued sacrifice and selfless service of our Nation's heroes, a group Sergeant Ross exemplifies with distinction, is immeasurable. That's why we as a Nation must live up to our responsibilities to properly support the men and women of our Armed Forces when they return home. We must leave no soldier behind, and we owe our troops more than just ``thank you for your service.'' Today, it is too easy to spend money, and we've spent over a billion dollars a year recruiting people into our armed services while we're not doing enough to take care of them and keep the promises we make, whether it's providing GI funding or making sure that disability claims are taken care of. Currently, the average wait time for a disability claim ranges between 316 and 327 days. This is far too long. The Oakland VA, which serves the veterans of my district, has one of the worst backlogs in the Nation. At a time when our wounded warriors are left waiting so long to receive the care that they have rightly earned, helping to ensure our Nation's heroes are able to travel seamlessly and without hindrance when they return home is a step we must take. I want to thank again my colleague, Congresswoman Gabbard from Hawaii, for sponsoring this bill. I'll always support legislation that helps our returning servicemembers and their families receive the care and thanks they were promised and have earned. I urge my colleagues to vote for the Helping Heroes Fly Act.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, student loan debt in the United States now exceeds $1 trillion, higher than our country's total credit card debt; and unless Congress acts, on July 1, Federal student loans will double, rising from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. This increase in student loan rates would be unbearable for many undergraduate students and future students. It also will keep them out of the middle class. The middle class as we know right now is shrinking. If you're in the middle class today, you're making approximately $5,000 less than you were 10 years ago, and you have nearly $25,000 more in personal debt. Access to education powers the innovation economy and will increase and grow our middle class. Unfortunately, H.R. 1911, the Republican student loan plan to come to the floor this week, will only make college more expensive. The Republican's Make College More Expensive Plan will make loan rates variable, going as high as 8.5 percent. Their plan essentially will build a great wall around our middle class. We must deal with the student loan crisis now. Instead of increasing student loan rates for students, Congress should be helping students by keeping student loan rates low and increasing the student loan rate interest deduction. Let's tear down this wall that will keep our students from the middle class and not increase the student loan rate.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. I rise in opposition to the Patients' Rights Repeal Act, the 37th such time that the Republican House leadership has had us consider this. Before I came to Congress, I was a prosecutor. And as a prosecutor, I would take my case, present evidence to the jury; the jury would reach a verdict, and the case would be closed. The same has occurred with the Affordable Care Act. In 2009 and 2010, this body debated the Affordable Care Act. Evidence that the Affordable Care Act would increase access to quality care was presented. Evidence about eliminating preexisting conditions was presented. The law was passed by a majority of democratically elected Representatives. It was signed into law by the President of the United States, and recently it was upheld by the Supreme Court. We had an election where the President and the candidate who ran against him talked about these, and they had two very different positions, and this President who signed it into law was reelected. The verdict on the Affordable Care Act is in. The case is closed. Mr. Speaker, the benefits are also real. In California, 5.6 million people will have access to health care. There are very serious issues facing our country: growing and lifting our economy, having a green energy policy that makes us independent from other foreign sources of oil, and passing comprehensive immigration reform. But this House Republican leadership is acting like a frivolous litigant wasting our time voting over and over and over--37 times--to repeal the Affordable Care Act. The 37th time will not be a charm. The definition of ``insanity'' is doing the same thing over and over and over and expecting a different result. I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 45, and I urge the House Republican leadership to stop the insanity, and let's move forward on the issues that will grow our economy, make us independent from foreign sources of oil in how we find our energy, and fix a broken immigration system.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Brigadier General Garrett S. Yee, from Fremont, California who recently was promoted from Colonel to Brigadier General by the United States Army. I will be attending a promotion ceremony for Brigadier General Yee on May 19, 2013 at the Niles Veterans Hall. I am proud to honor Brigadier General Yee, who has served his community with excellence and has executed his role as a public servant with professionalism, fairness, and integrity. Brigadier General Yee was commissioned as an Infantry Officer in 1987 after graduating from Santa Clara University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in combined science. He also obtained a master's degree in business administration from Golden Gate University and a master's degree in strategic studies from the Army War College. Throughout his military career he has held an assortment of staff and command positions. Brigadier General Yee recently returned from Afghanistan, where he served as Deputy Commander for the 335th Signal Command from October 2011 until October 2012. During his time in Afghanistan, he provided senior leadership for all of the 335th Signal Command operations. Brigadier General Yee deployed to Iraq in 2006 as the lead Theater Observation Detachment Officer on behalf of the Center for Army Lessons Learned, which is where he authored a handbook on provincial reconstruction teams in Iraq. Most recently, in December 2012, Brigadier General Yee became Deputy Commander for Mobilization for the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command at Scott Air Force Base. I want to thank Brigadier General Yee for his continued service and commitment to our country. The United States appreciates his efforts to ensure our rights and benefits are protected. I wish him the best of luck in his new position.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Today, I rise to honor the amazing Virginia ``Dee'' Williams of Livermore, California, a 12-year survivor of breast cancer who will be honored this Saturday as part of Amgen's ``Breakaway From Cancer'' initiative at the Amgen Tour of California. Dee was chosen as a ``Breakaway From Cancer'' champion because of the profound difference that she has made in the lives of cancer patients within our community. Dee is a ``call back'' volunteer who talks to cancer patients to determine if their needs are being met while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. She also spends time talking with recently diagnosed breast cancer patients to help relieve their concerns as they're going through this journey. As one of the Walnut Creek American Cancer Society ``Look Good, Feel Better'' coordinators for Livermore and Pleasanton, Dee teaches women who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation how to pick out, take care of, and wear wigs, as well as teaching make-up techniques. Dee has survived cancer and is still dealing with fibromyalgia and arthritis and battling a neurological disorder, but she has not let any of that slow her down one bit. She is truly an inspiration, and Livermore is lucky to have her, and I am lucky to represent her in the United States Congress. I look forward to seeing her this weekend on the Amgen Tour.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Today is just a few days before Mother's Day, and the House Republican leadership has this House considering the so-called Working Families Flexibility Act on the floor. This bill is no Mother's Day bouquet, but instead it amounts to a bunch of dead flowers. It denies working mothers--like my mother, who still works today as a secretary and is a part of our middle class--and other hardworking Americans the flexibility they need. This bill only gives flexibility to employers. Under this misguided legislation, employers would have the flexibility to substitute compensation time for overtime pay. This legislation makes it less expensive for employees to work overtime, encouraging employers to demand more overtime, leading to more work and less pay. Instead, we should be voting on priorities for working families like equal pay for all, raising the minimum wage, and giving hardworking Americans true flexibility. Unfortunately, the majority just does not understand the needs of working Americans. Today, I will be voting ``no'' on H.R. 1406 because I will defend hardworking moms like my mom and others who rely often on overtime pay to make ends meet. I urge my colleagues to stand up for working families. Vote ``no'' on H.R. 1406 and give working moms what they deserve this Mother's Day, which is equal pay for equal work.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Last week, Amador Valley High School from California, in my congressional district, competed in the national We the People competition held right here in Washington, D.C., and I'm proud to report that the students of Amador Valley High School's We the People competition team took second place out of 44 participating teams representing their States across the country. The We the People competition is held annually, where each State can send one team to Washington, D.C., to compete in mock congressional hearings that test the high school students' knowledge of U.S. history and the Constitution. I met with Amador Valley's We the People team while they were here, and I was thoroughly impressed with their participation, preparation, and knowledge of our history, government, and political system. The students' love of history and civics was welcome to see. They're truly a model for students across the country. I also want to recognize their coaches, Brian Ladd and Mairi Wohlgemuth, who worked tirelessly to organize the team and prepare the students for this competition. Congratulations again to Amador Valley High School and their students from the We the People program. You make me, our region, and our country proud.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Tomorrow, the Alameda County Labor Council will be hosting their annual Unionist of the Year awards dinner where local labor leaders will be recognized for their tireless advocacy on behalf of hardworking Americans. One of these great leaders is Obray Van Buren, who will be honored with the Unionist of the Year award. Obray has been a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 342 for 30 years. Obray is also on the board of directors for Tri-CED Community Recycling, a company which gives many former offenders and at-risk youth a chance at life. This organization proudly serves both Hayward and Union City in my district. Also honored will be California's Attorney General Kamala Harris, an Alameda County native who also, like me, served in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and will be honored as the Warrior Woman of the Year. Attorney General Harris is committed to defending the interests of working families who are the backbone of our economy. Other honorees include Rachel Bryan, Jason Gumataotao, Tanya Pitts, Tamara Perine, Bud Beal, and Christine Garrett. Once again, congratulations to all honorees. Alameda County appreciates your efforts to ensure that worker rights and benefits are always protected.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. This Thursday, the city of Fremont will be one of three cities nationwide to be recognized with the City Award as part of the Make a Difference Day competition. The Make a Difference Day competition is a national day of volunteering held each year on the third Saturday of October. Fremont has participated in this competition for the past 10 years. Last year alone, 1,300 residents in Fremont participated in 76 projects across the city to clean up and improve our streets and make our community much, much better. On Thursday, Fremont residents Suzanne Shenfil, Debra Watanuki, and Christine Beitsch will be presented with the award on behalf of the city of Fremont. Fremont will also be awarded $10,000 to benefit the Fremont Family Resource Center, which offers many services such as child care information, adult information and employment services, and educational programs. I am proud of Fremont and all of the participants in Make a Difference Day for their inspirational work to improve our neighborhoods. Together, each individual contribution builds a stronger and more sustainable community for everyone's future.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Many students often remember that one engaging and empowering teacher who inspired them to change the course of their lives. I am proud to recognize one of those teachers, Ms. Miroslaba ``Lili'' Velo, a social studies teacher from Hayward's Tennyson High School in my congressional district. Ms. Velo was named the 2013 Outstanding Senior High School Teacher of the Year by the California Council for Social Studies. As the chair of the Social Studies Department at Tennyson High School, Ms. Velo is a true leader in advancing social studies education by teaching educators in her high school and across California how to engage students with new and innovative teaching methods. This is something we will need as we continue to lead our students to be competitive in a changing global economy. Ms. Velo is a wonderful example of the most dedicated teachers from across the Nation, who strive every day to better the lives of their students and assist the teachers around them. Once again, I congratulate Ms. Velo on receiving this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend and fellow law enforcement officer Patrol Deputy Sheriff Eric Larson of the Alameda County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Sheriff Larson was wounded on March 30, 2013, while bravely serving in the line of duty. Deputy Sheriff Larson has been honorably serving in the Alameda County Sheriff's Department for over 19 years. He worked his way up through the ranks, previously serving in the Coroner's Office before becoming a Patrol Deputy Sheriff. As a former prosecutor, I know the importance of courageous and experienced police officers, like Deputy Sheriff Larson, who work day in and day out to keep our streets and communities safe. Deputy Sheriff Larson's efforts on the day he was wounded helped to protect his fellow officers. He is a shining example of the best and bravest officers in our country; he is willing to put himself in danger for the benefit of others. Deputy Sheriff Larson is a fourth generation resident of Alameda County, where he continues to reside with his wife and three children. Before joining the Alameda County Police Department, Deputy Sheriff Larson attended San Lorenzo High School. He continues to be active in his community by coaching a variety of youth sports such as baseball, soccer, basketball, and t-ball. I am thankful for the dedication and sacrifices of Deputy Sheriff Eric Larson and all of the Alameda County police officers who continue to put themselves in harm's way every day to protect the neighborhoods of the East Bay. I wish Deputy Sheriff Larson all the best as he continues to recover at home with his family.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1120, the so-called Preventing Greater Uncertainty in Labor- Management Relations Act. House Republicans today are continuing their assault against workers' rights. The bill before us would retroactively invalidate National Labor Relations Board, NLRB, decisions made after January 2012 and prevent the board from making or enforcing new decisions until the Senate confirms a quorum of members. There is an ongoing debate in the courts about the extent of the President's recess appointment powers, and there is no reason for Congress to interject itself now. Moreover, this misguided bill would hurt both workers and businesses by creating chaos. The NLRB protects workers rights to bargain collectively, but it also works to protect businesses by setting orderly standards for labor disputes. We cannot afford to have both workers and employers face further uncertainty in resolving cases, which will negatively impact our economy. While our economy continues to recover, we should instead be supporting growth by providing stability to both workers and businesses. Instead of attacking workers and curtailing their rights, I would hope Members would be willing to work together find common sense solutions to help working families. I urge my colleagues to vote no on H.R. 1120.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. I would like to thank the ranking member for yielding me time. Madam Chair, I rise to object today to the consideration of this bill and rather propose that we stand in this House and we consider Mr. Hoyer's Make It In America package. We can come together and focus on real solutions that will get our economy moving again, and we should take up Mr. Hoyer's Make It In America package because it will strengthen our economy and create non-outsourceable jobs at home, here in America. The Make It In America package includes bills like mine, H.R. 1022, the Securing Energy Critical Elements and American Jobs Act of 2013 that will help secure America's place as a leader in science and technology with a 21st century workforce. What are rare Earth elements? Well, these are 17 chemical elements-- elements that, prior to coming to Congress and learning about how they affect our economy, I couldn't point out at pistol point--that are very critical to making cell phones, to making our electric cars, and also to making our antimissile systems. Despite the name, they are very abundant in our country and they can be extracted in an environmentally safe manner. So what's the problem? Well, today, 97 percent of rare Earth elements are extracted and exported from China. Eighty percent of rare Earth magnets and almost 100 percent of related metal production are coming from China. In 2010, China temporarily cut off rare Earth supplies to Japan, the European Union, and the United States, highlighting the potential consequences to the United States for relying so heavily upon China for rare Earth production that is so crucial and critical to what we can create here in America. My district includes northern Silicon Valley, home of silicon chip processing, home of the technology boom, home of the Internet, and also home of many advanced manufacturing production sites. H.R. 1022, the Securing Energy Critical Elements in American Jobs Act of 2013 aims to help reduce our dependence on China for these critical elements and instead make it here in America. But in order for us to do this, we need to invest in developing our technical workforce here at home. Currently, the United States lacks the necessary technical expertise to ensure a reliable supply of energy critical elements. My bill, H.R. 1022, enlists the talents of our university students and encourages them to develop the technical expertise necessary to secure America's access to these elements. We need to ensure that the best and brightest minds in our area and our country have the tools and support they need to support America's access to energy critical elements. H.R. 1022 will promote collaboration and research opportunities in the fields of energy-critical elements for students at higher institutions, and coordination of Federal agencies to promote a stable supply of energy- critical elements. We also have in my congressional district what's called the ``Tri- Valley,'' or, as I like to call it, the ``I Valley,'' or the ``Innovation Valley.'' This area also would rely upon energy-critical elements. And as the ranking member said, we have an opportunity today to work in a bipartisan fashion. Unfortunately, I do not see us doing that. So I would conclude by asking that we come together. Also, in my bill there's a loan guarantee for companies with new processing and refining technologies. The Securing Energy Critical Elements and American Jobs Act of 2013 will help to spur private investment in companies on the forefront of this critical field. It's very important that we have the Federal Government at the very inception, in the beginning, providing the research and Federal funding. But most important is to get it out into private industry. And that's what this bill calls upon. So, again, I urge my colleagues to stop wasting time with partisan bills like this today. Instead, let's come together to train and secure a 21st century workforce. Let's harness our own resources. Let's Make It In America, and we can help all Americans make it.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Tonight, San Ramon celebrates its 30 years as an incorporated city. It's a city I know well. My mother grew up there, and my grandfather was the editor of the Valley Pioneer newspaper. I went to elementary school there, and I coached youth soccer there for years. Americans first came to San Ramon in 1850 when Leo and Mary Jane Norris purchased property there. The name ``San Ramon'' came from a Native American sheep herder in the area named Ramon. For many years, agriculture was a key part of San Ramon's economy. Starting in the 1960s, suburban development began there; modern San Ramon emerged; and the population took off. Eventually, the residents voted to incorporate as a separate city. It has grown from about 4,000 people in 1960 to over 70,000 today. It's the fourth largest city in Contra Costa County. It is the location of the headquarters of 24-Hour Fitness and Chevron, and it is the west coast headquarters of AT&T. Both of its high schools, California High School and Dougherty Valley High School, were ranked by U.S. News & World Report as being in the top 200 California high schools. These are just a few examples of the highly educated, hardworking folks who live in San Ramon.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, for the many in the world to live free, we must rely upon the sacrifices of the few in our armed services. On March 21, we lost Sergeant First Class James Grissom of Hayward, California, while serving Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Sergeant Grissom graduated from Mount Eden High School in 1999, and he earned a degree from the Art Institute of San Francisco before enlisting in the Army. He was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group. As a Special Forces soldier, Sergeant Grissom was physically and mentally strong and honored with many medals, including the Bronze Star and the NATO Medal. His work as a soldier brightly illustrates the heroism of the servicemembers who serve our country and are dedicated to protecting our freedom. I am forever grateful for Sergeant Grissom's sacrifice and service. Even after Sergeant Grissom passed away, his service to others continued. Years ago, Sergeant Grissom chose to be an organ donor, and his organs were used recently to help others in need across the world. We shall not forget the sacrifice and honor of Sergeant Grissom. For his country, he gave his life; for the rest of the world, he gives his body.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Asian American Prosecutors Association, AAPA, for their dedication to promoting justice and advancing the interests of Asian American prosecutors in California's 15th Congressional District and throughout the state of California. Their willingness to advocate for victims' rights within the Asian American community, while advocating for fairness, equality, and justice for the public at large, is a testament to their workmanship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the community they serve. The Asian American Prosecutors Association seeks to empower its members and all prosecutors through education and training about the needs of the Asian American community. AAPA's acting board members are a wealth of knowledge, each having many years of experience working with the Asian American community, and they are all eager to strengthen and support the roles of Asian Americans in all aspects of law and the criminal justice system. Those who serve on the board include, Annie Saadi as President, Sharon Carney as Vice President, Huy Luong as Treasurer, Michael Carney as Secretary, David Lim as Executive Board Member, Amy Deng in Public Relations & Marketing, Lauren Hashimoto in Membership & Recruitment, Mas Morimoto in Community Affairs and Glenn Kim in Information Technology. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the entire House of Representatives join me in honoring the Asian American Prosecutors Association. AAPA's dedication to the community is an inspiration to us all and it is a high privilege to represent them, and I am glad to take this opportunity to pay tribute to their inaugural reception.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Police Chief Steve Sweeney, who is retiring this month after nearly 30 years of service to the City of Livermore. Chief Sweeney has served his community with excellence and has executed his role as a public servant with professionalism, fairness, and integrity since he joined the Livermore Police Department in 1984. Under his leadership, the department has remained fiscally stable and has maintained vital partnerships with outside agencies, schools, and community groups. As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of cultivating the public's trust and assistance in ensuring our communities remain safe places to live and work. Chief Sweeney's work has exemplified this model of service, as he has stressed accessibility and community outreach throughout his tenure. For example, he has overseen the expansion of the Livermore Police Department's Citizen's Academy, Youth Academy, and Neighborhood Watch programs. Chief Sweeney graduated from Cal State University, East Bay before becoming a patrol officer and member of the SWAT team of Livermore in 1984. He steadily climbed the ranks and served as a detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain before becoming chief of the department in 2007. Chief Sweeney played a key role in the merging of the Pleasanton and Livermore SWAT teams in 2011, which resulted in the formation of the new East County Tactical Team. Even after several years of budget cuts, Chief Sweeney's skilled management and leadership enabled the Livermore Police Department to hire seven new officers this past January and restore the department's Drug and Gang Task Force. I want to thank Chief Sweeney for his decades of public service to Livermore and for helping to keep the East Bay a great place to live, work, and visit. After his retirement, he plans on staying in the town he has served for so many years and looks forward to spending time with his wife and three children. I wish him the best of luck as he begins this new chapter of his life.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Dr. Hope Michelsen of Livermore and Alice Deng of Pleasanton for their recent induction into the Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding women in our area and their contributions to our community and Nation. Dr. Michelsen is being honored in the category of science, and she is a leader and trailblazer at Sandia National Laboratory in my district. She is a combustion and atmospheric chemist at Sandia National Lab and a lead researcher on several projects related to energy and climate change. Alice is being inducted to the Hall of Fame in the youth category. A student at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, Alice demonstrates leadership well beyond her years. She is the cofounder of an organization that helps young people overcome their fear of public speaking and an active volunteer with the Tri-Valley Eden Township Youth Community Court. It's fitting that these extraordinary women are being honored in March, which is Women's History Month. I'm very proud to have both Alice and Dr. Michelsen in my district. Their hard work continues to move our district forward.

Mr. SWALWELL of California

Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend, Mr. Rob White, for his contributions to the innovation community of the Bay Area. Rob recently announced that he is stepping down as CEO of the iGate Innovation Hub and as Director of Economic Development for the City of Livermore, California. As cofounder of the iGate hub, Rob was instrumental in establishing a broad regional partnership that is helping leverage public investments at the Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Laboratories into economic development that benefits the growth of small businesses focused on bringing new green energy technologies to market. Just last year, the White House named Rob a Champion of Change for Local Innovation, acknowledging him as ``a thought leader in government led collaborative networks, public policy assessment in support of entrepreneurship, and economic development frameworks that focus on technology growth and innovation.'' Under Rob's leadership, iGate received an award for Regional Collaboration from the International Economic Development Council, the Thomas H. Muehlenbeck Award for Excellence in Local Government from the Alliance for Innovation; and the Outstanding Partnership Award from the Federal Laboratory Consortium, Far West Region. Rob has worked for more than two decades in researching, assessing, and developing the ecosystem for regional innovation networks. His tireless support of small businesses, focusing on green transportation and clean-energy technologies, is already helping transform the economic climate in the Tr-Valley area and the region at large. On a more personal note, Mr. Speaker, Rob has played a vital role in assisting me in the development of my economic policy and strategy. I was honored when he agreed to serve on my Economic Development Advisory Committee and I have learned a great deal from him. I want to thank Rob for his contributions to the East Bay. I wish him the best of luck as he begins this new chapter of his life.