Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I yield to the gentleman.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the gentleman. This is a shot. It is a shot at the endangered species. You and I both know how important this is in regard to the salmon in our district, something that is very, very important, something that is important to our economy and something that is important to the ecology of not only our State but the ecology of the Nation. We need to work together, and I can suggest that we remove this and get to working together.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of community member Lucio E. Perez for being named Agriculturalist of the Year by the Napa County Farm Bureau. Mr. Perez comes from a long history of working with Napa's bountiful soil. His grandfather, Mr. Lucio D. Perez, emigrated from Mexico and settled in the Napa Valley in the early 1930s and worked as an agricultural laborer. In 1935, the L. Perez & Sons Family Estates began growing wine grapes. The business was passed to his son Ezequiel, and later to his grandson Lucio, or as he is known throughout the valley, ``Cio.'' He attended St. Helena High School and later studied at Stanford University before transferring to the University of California--Davis, where he graduated with a degree in Enology & Viticulture. His first job outside of the family farm was with Beringer Brothers; assisting with the development of new vineyards, fertilizer, and pest management problems. Mr. Perez continues to manage L. Perez & Sons Vineyards, and also farms acreage in Conn Valley, Carneros and St. Helena. He produces zinfandel, chardonnay and, cabernet--reflecting the diverse terroirs of the Napa Valley appellations. His passion for sustainable agriculture and protecting farmlands led him to work with the Napa County Farm Bureau in 1988, where he has served on the Board of Directors and as President. He has also participated on the California Farm Bureau Federation--Grape Advisory Committee, the Tax and Land Use Committee, and Finance Committee. Don Lucio Perez, his grandfather, founded a non-profit by the name of Comite Mexicano de Beneficiencia, where Mr. Perez has been an active member and past treasurer. Being recognized as Agriculturalist of the Year by the Napa County Farm Bureau is an astounding achievement for someone who has dedicated their life to protecting and defending agriculture. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge Mr. Lucio E. Perez for his years of devoted service to the Napa Valley community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jimmy Smith, chairman of the North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (NCIRWMP) Policy Review Panel for 7 years, honoring his dedication to, and his achievements toward, healthy North Coast communities and ecosystems. Mr. Smith has become known for his inclusiveness, diplomacy, and transparent leadership style through his work on the Policy Review Panel. He played a critical role in shepherding the North Coast through its first project prioritization process, helping the panel make difficult policy decisions to reduce the NCIRWMP's priority funding list from $50 to $25 million. Mr. Smith led the panel through the unanimous adoption by the region's seven county Boards of Supervisors of the first and second phases of NCIRWMP. His leadership was instrumental in securing more than 70 signatories to the NCIRWMP Memorandum of Mutual Understanding. Mr. Smith hosted the NCIRWMP's first Integrated Regional Water Management Conference, bringing more than 250 attendees to the North Coast region, representing over 50 entities comprised of local governments, tribes, legislators, agencies, watershed groups, providing a greater awareness of water management issues, watershed functions and future policy and funding opportunities. Mr. Smith's oversight of the NCIRWMP top ranked proposals has brought more than $41 million to the North Coast. He worked for months on behalf of the entire North Coast community during the 2008 California ``bond freeze'' to minimize economic impact on disadvantaged communities and to ensure that the North Coast's priority infrastructure and environmental projects were able to move forward. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize my friend Jimmy Smith for his dedication and contributions to the North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and dedication to our community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dennis Sisto on the occasion of his retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa County, California. Dennis' leadership will be truly missed by his colleagues, health care providers throughout the Napa Valley, and all of us in the community who have received superlative medical care from Queen of the Valley during his tenure. Mr. Sisto has worked for the St. Joseph Health System for 24 years, the past 13 at Queen of the Valley. During his tenure, Mr. Sisto has served as a champion for the health and quality of life of the Napa Valley community. To respond to the needs of the underserved, he has guided Queen of the Valley through the creation of new healthcare services for persons with HIV/AIDS, cancer and congestive heart failure directed at individuals without health insurance or the ability to pay. His leadership has ushered in an unprecedented era of technological growth for healthcare services in the Valley, bringing such advancements as the robotic surgical system, a state-of-the-art linear accelerator for the treatment of cancer patients, an imaging center housing the world's finest diagnostic imaging equipment and a new Outpatient Surgery and Procedure Center. To focus on improving community health and address higher than anticipated Napa County mortality rates for heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes, Mr. Sisto has led the development process for the Queen of the Valley Medical Center's state of the art Wellness Center. The Wellness Center offers specialized programs directed at persons who need professional supervision to manage high health risks and chronic diseases. The creation of the Wellness Center represents a significant step forward for hospitals, allowing Queen of the Valley to expand its focus beyond acute care and offer preventive services as well as health maintenance programs. Running a medical center in today's world can be a thankless and complex endeavor. It takes great integrity, a steady hand and a strong sense of humor to handle all of the challenges that present themselves to our hospital administrators. Mr. Sisto has all of these qualities in spades. He has been an invaluable partner in the process as we implement the Affordable Care Act on the local level. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize Dennis Sisto for his many years of service to Napa and to thank him for his contributions to wellness and health care in our community. I join his wife, Judy, his entire family and our colleagues in wishing him the best as he enters this new phase of his life.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I submit a copy of an amendment that I had hoped to introduce during the debate of H.R. 2219, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2012. However, I have learned that this important amendment would have been subject to a point of order and not be made in order. My amendment would bar any funds in H.R. 2219 for the purposes of expanded training activities in the Navy's Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC). Once the Navy receives a new letter of authorization from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), taking into account marine mammal ``takes,'' my amendment would then allow the Navy to use funds from this bill to expand their training operations in the NWTRC. The Northwest Training Range Complex is a region of extraordinary biological diversity. It covers over 120,000 square nautical miles, spanning from Washington's border with Canada to waters off of my district in Northern California. The Navy has used the NWTRC for training for the past 60 years. However, in October 2010, the Navy was permitted to expand training in the NWTRC that among other things involves increased use of mid- frequency active sonar. As a military veteran, I strongly believe that sailors must have the training and experience they need to defend our country. However, I also believe that the Federal Government should follow science-based measures that will protect marine ecosystems and wildlife when the military pursues this necessary training. Unfortunately, the use of mid-frequency active sonar is known to negatively impact marine mammals, especially toothed whales. And, its impact on many other fish species is not known. NOAA conducted a comprehensive review of measures currently available to prevent harm to marine mammals from the use of sonar. One of the main findings of this review was that the most effective way to minimize impacts on marine mammals would be to protect important habitat, and NOAA is now coordinating a working group specifically to identify these areas within the NWTRC, also known as ``marine mammal hot spots.'' I have worked aggressively with constituents in my district to raise these issues to the Navy; however our concerns were simply dismissed without being addressed. In fact, the Navy has not been willing to consider avoiding or even limiting their training activities in specific areas that have been known to be heavily populated by marine mammals and other species and habitats, to reduce the impact of sonar training exercises on them. That is why I wanted to introduce this amendment--to guarantee that these serious and scientifically valid concerns are actually considered and addressed before the Navy moves forward with their plans of expanding training activities in the NWTRC. It is important to note that this amendment is not about stopping Navy training altogether, that some argue would negatively impact our national security and military readiness. Instead this amendment is about requiring the Navy to be more deliberate when moving forward to expand training range activities that would undoubtedly impact local marine habitat. I am disappointed that this important amendment was going to be ruled out of order. However, I wanted to once again put on record my concerns about this expanded training and its impact on marine mammals and sensitive marine habitat. I will continue to work with stakeholder to address this important issue. Amendment to H.R. 2219, as Reported Offered by Mr. Thompson of California At the end of the bill (before the short title), insert the following: Sec. __. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used for Navy training activities in the Northwest Training Range Complex beyond the number enumerated in the ``No Action Alternative'' of the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement for the Northwest Training Range Complex until a letter of authorization issued pursuant to section 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1371(a)(5)) and covering the second year of training activity under subpart M of part 218 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, expires or is superseded.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Representative Lynn Woolsey, to honor the 100th birthday of an important community institution, the Boyes Hot Springs Post Office. On July 8, 1911, the Sonoma Index Tribune reported that ``A.D. Graham of Graham's Cash Store received the appointment as post master of Boyes Springs. Located at his store.'' The store, lost in a 1923 fire along with most of the town, was near the train depot at Boyes Boulevard and the Sonoma Highway (Hwy 12). After rapid rebuilding, the post office was located in the Woodleaf Store (now a diner that is part of the Sonoma Mission Inn) until 1951, when its current site was built at the Plaza Center at Boyes Boulevard and Sonoma Highway. This site, previously known as the Boyes Springs Plaza, had been the scene of street parties and fiestas. Now, redevelopment plans include a public plaza in the surrounding space, reviving it as a place for celebration. Boyes Hot Springs has a lively history, integral to the fabric of the Sonoma Valley. Formerly the center of a great resort area, it hosted thousands of visitors during its heyday. There were dozens of resorts, from small motor courts to the grand Sonoma Mission Inn. The Boyes Bath House boasted the second largest indoor swimming pool in the country. And, for many years, the area was a training ground for professional football and baseball teams such as the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco Seals. After the demise of the passenger railroad, the area still thrived with the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and the rise of the automobile. Boyes Springs real estate man L.E. ``Bud'' Castner was one of the first directors of the Golden Gate Bridge District. In the 1960s, as the resorts faded, Boyes Hot Springs faded a bit as well. Community pride, however, never waned. The area became attractive in the 1980s and 1990s to home buyers who were priced out of the Bay area market. Attracted by its rural charm, they purchased its large stock of charming cottages to rehabilitate. At the same time, the population of Mexican immigrants grew, attracted principally by the grape growing and wine businesses. To old timers and new residents alike, the post office is the center of the community. Since most of the surrounding streets receive no mail delivery, residents make a daily trip to the post office where they catch up on the latest local news with their friends and neighbors. The immigrant population relies on it for communication with their families back home. The postal workers are personally known to all, a part of the broader community family. Mr. Speaker, the community is hosting a celebration to honor this anniversary. In the words of one of the organizers, Michael Acker of the Springs Community All, it will ``salute the past, show appreciation for service, and look to the future with hope.'' Please join us in honoring the centennial of the Boyes Hot Springs Post Office.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Allan Alfred Voigt, a truly remarkable Renaissance man who passed away May 13, 2011. Al Voigt was a scientist who held several patents, an artist, a community leader, a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Judith, a caring and inspiring father to his children, Che and Shanta, and doting grandfather to Logan Allan and Katherine Annabelle. Al founded a series of aerospace engineering firms in Sonoma County that contributed to some of our most important national defense projects. His technical innovations in tactical missile and surveillance systems led to the development and success of the Stinger missile and Predator drone. More than 350 people in Sonoma County have high paying, technical engineering and manufacturing jobs because of these projects. But Al's passions were much more extensive. He and his wife founded the Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation, which has placed more than two dozen sculptures, either pieces owned by the foundation or on loan by collaborative artists, in publically accessible places in Sonoma County. He also won furniture design awards with his abstract chairs and his aerodynamic tricycles have set world speed records. Mr. Speaker, Al Voigt was a prodigious thinker who never rested on his laurels. He was always looking ahead for the next idea. His fundamental skill was analyzing a problem and finding the solution, whether it was in national defense, art, or a functional piece of furniture. It is therefore appropriate that we honor him at this time for his service to our country and to his community.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of community member Lee Hart, for his outstanding work in Napa County, California. Mr. Hart was born in San Francisco in 1940 and moved to Yountville at the age of 3. He is the great-grandson of a Yountville pioneer, Mr. Mathias Van de Leur, who was a Napa County Supervisor and a mason who built the St. Helena Catholic Church, several stone bridges and the Manor House at Stagg's Leap Winery. Lee Hart has been on the Board of the Yountville Cemetery Association for 46 years and has been the President and proven leader since 1967. His love of Napa moved him to shift careers, from the banking world to serving as a police officer with the Napa Police Department, from where he retired after 26 years of service. Mr. Hart was recognized as ``Police Officer of the Year;'' he also taught self-defense at the Napa Valley College, and was an instructor for the Napa Police Academy. After retiring from the police force, he was a Marshall for the Napa Sheriff's Department for another 10 years. Mr. Hart has been a lifelong member of Toastmasters, Ducks Unlimited, the California Waterfowl Association, and is the founding member of the George Yount Mountainmen organization. He has been known to participate in the Yountville Parade and dress as George Yount. Mr. Hart has been involved in martial arts since 1964, and is a 9th Degree Black Belt, having won several competitions with gold, silver and bronze medals. ``Anything done in moderation is boring,'' is one of Mr. Hart's favorite sayings and he can always be found sharing a good story and showcasing his duck decoy collection. Mr. Hart is fortunate to be surrounded by a large circle of loving family and life-long friends. He married Chrissy Hart in 1991. He has three children: Elizabeth, Victoria and Leroy-Mathias, and 10 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge Leroy Edward Hart for his decades of devoted service to the Napa Valley community on this Memorial Day.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank Mr. Ruppersberger for yielding, and I thank Mr. Ruppersberger and Mr. Rogers for their good work in the committee. As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, Analysis, and Counterintelligence, I'm pleased that we were able to work through our differences to bring a stronger and now bipartisan Intelligence authorization bill to the floor today. H.R. 754 will support critical U.S. intelligence capabilities by increasing resources for our country's counterterrorism efforts while also providing needed flexibility to the Central Intelligence Agency to hire the analysts that it needs. Last year, under the leadership of then-Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Reyes, President Obama signed the first Intelligence Authorization Act in 6 years. That bill included a number of long overdue provisions that supported critical U.S. intelligence capabilities, significantly enhanced congressional oversight, and improved accountability across the entire intelligence community. Today's bill builds on that effort and represents an important step forward towards enacting an Intelligence authorization bill for the second year in a row. Unfortunately, the process used to produce this bill was badly flawed and there weren't proper hearings to get to where we are now. And that's evidenced by the amendments that we are able to get into this bill to bring it up to the position that it's in. However, with the changes made to the classified annex, I believe this authorization will strengthen our national security and is in the best interest of our intelligence community. Specifically, the additional funds authorized by this bill to hire more counterterrorism analysts will make our country safer and more secure. It was, after all, counterterrorism analysts that located Osama bin Laden after he had disappeared for nearly 10 years and that are now tracking senior al Qaeda leadership around the globe. By providing more resources to this critical effort, our intelligence community will be able to confront head-on the threat posed by al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations throughout the world. In fact, given the recent success of our counterterrorism effort, this is the strategy we should pursue over our counterinsurgency campaign in Afghanistan, which has not shown the results Congress expected or that the American people demand. This tactical change would significantly reduce our military footprint in countries around the world while allowing our military and intelligence assets to confront terrorism threats wherever they're developed. Mr. Chair, our intelligence community must be prepared for any and all threats, making it all the more critical for Congress to pass an Intelligence authorization that furthers our national security.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. This legislation is necessary, will enhance the capabilities of the intelligence community, specifically our counterterrorism efforts, and will make our Nation safer. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and thank the members of our intelligence community and their families for their great work and their sacrifice.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, I want to point out that the majority party has told me and told my staff that the bill that they have offered today, the bill that we are going to be voting on, does not affect the north coast of California. Now, my effort with this amendment is merely to trust but verify. To oppose this amendment really calls into question, what is the underlying motivation of this bill? Does it do what they claim and not affect this region of our ocean, again, one of only four major upwellings in the world's oceans. This is an area that feeds and promotes the fisheries and the marine life not only in my area, but in all the ocean. And the idea we would put it at any kind of risk. Those of you who know the area know how rough the water is, know how rocky the shores are. If there was an oil spill there, it would never be cleaned up. The area is seismically active. To drill in that area with the threat of earthquakes, you are looking at a situation that would make the Gulf of Mexico disaster pale in comparison. It is not too much to ask that we merely verify what it is the majority party says that they are not doing with this bill. And the idea that this amendment would be opposed is quite startling to me. I believe that this is something that everyone can get behind. To say that the bill doesn't do this and then refuse to take the amendment calls into question the motive of the bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, according to this bill's drafters, the legislation would not require leasing permits in the northern California planning area, which is the coastline of my district. My amendment merely makes that clear. Drilling on the north coast of California is a disastrous idea, and the legislation must be clear that it is not acceptable to drill off California's north coast. Because this amendment is a clarification of the legislation's intent, there is no cost associated with it. Just about 3 weeks ago, we marked the 1-year anniversary of the Nation's worst oil spill. I will not let what happened to the Gulf of Mexico happen to the north coast of California. I have introduced separate stand-alone legislation which would permanently ban drilling off the coast of my district. It is important to me and to my constituents that H.R. 1231 clearly notates that drilling will not occur in the northern California planning area along the coasts of Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte Counties. The coastal area of my district is one of only four major upwellings in our world's oceans. An upwelling is where cold, nutrient-rich waters are brought from the ocean depths to the surface. Upwelling regions promote seaweed and growth, which, in turn, supply energy for some of the most productive ecosystems in our world, including many of our world's fisheries. North coast ecosystems also sustain some of the largest salmon populations in the lower 49 States and provide essential habitat for Dungeness crab, rockfish, sole, and urchin. In 2006 and 2008, commercial fishery disasters that virtually eliminated salmon fishing in California were economically disastrous to my district, to our States, and our Nation. If an oil spill were to occur off the coast of my district, the environmental and economic costs would be staggering. Drilling for oil or gas off California's north coast could cause serious harm to the unique and productive ecosystem and abundant marine life found in this area. My district is economically dependent upon the rich natural resources we are blessed to have, but it is also subject to significant earthquakes which exacerbate the issues, the threats, and the problems related to oil spills. One of my counties just wrote to me, and I quote, ``The modest amount of oil available in terms of our Nation's daily demand does not justify jeopardizing our fisheries, our environment, and our economic livelihoods.'' This amendment will merely protect the north coast of California and will simply clarify what the drafters of this bill say that the bill does, and that is that they claim that it does not require drilling off the coasts of Mendocino, Humboldt, or Del Norte Counties. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise with both pride and sadness today with my colleague, Lynn Woolsey, to honor one of Sonoma County's pioneering leaders. Jess Stonestreet Jackson passed away April 12, 2011, at his home in Geyserville, California. From the wine industry to local philanthropy, Jess Jackson touched lives across the North Bay, and he was admired and respected for his devotion to our region. Born on February 18, 1930, and raised in San Francisco, Jess Jackson worked numerous jobs as a child to support his parents. As a young adult, he worked as a long shoreman and police officer to put himself through the University of California, Berkeley. He embodied the American ideal that a dedicated and hardworking person can build a successful life. With a unique drive and an entrepreneurial spirit, Jess Jackson established himself as a leader in the American wine industry. With a successful law career in San Francisco, he began growing grapes in the 1970s. He produced his first wine in the 1980s at the age of 52, quickly putting Sonoma County on the map as one of the premier wine- growing regions of the world. Jackson's work redefined the use of ``California'' as an appellation of quality for Chardonnay. His family company, Jackson Family Wines, now operates over 30 wineries around the globe. Jackson was also known for devoting much of his energy, intellect and financial resources to help others. He donated millions of dollars to charities locally and across the country. In Sonoma County, for example, he supported the Family Justice Center, the Redwood Empire Food Bank, and the Boys and Girls Clubs. He and his wife, Barbara R. Banke, spearheaded a wine auction, Sonoma Paradiso, raising millions of dollars for a host of local causes for the benefit of children. Jackson and Banke also embarked on a pioneering venture to promote the study and practice of sustainable viticulture. Their multimillion- dollar commitment to the University of California, Davis, which will fund the construction of a wine center geared toward education, testifies to the forward-thinking approach Jackson always took to business and agriculture in the Wine Country. It will create an opportunity for future generations to practice sustainable viticulture. In addition to his wife, Jackson is survived by his five children and their families who will continue his legacy in the North Bay. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the life of Jess Stonestreet Jackson. His fine wines earned him friends worldwide. His entrepreneurial leadership and compassionate heart earned admirers throughout the North Bay. He has enriched our lives, and he will be dearly missed.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with both great sadness and a sense of great honor that I rise today, along with my colleague, Lynn Woolsey, to honor and pay tribute to Mitchell ``Mitch'' Mulas, of Sonoma, California, who passed away March 31, 2011 of complications following heart surgery. It is no exaggeration to say that Mitch Mulas was an icon in Sonoma County and a role model for generations of fire fighters, teachers and students, and farmers. He represented the best in community service and in devotion to his family. Mitch was born in 1928 in Sonoma, California, the son of an Italian immigrant father and a mother who survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. He met his wife, Nilda when he was 15 and she was 13. They had their first date three years later, and three years following that, they were married. Nilda was his partner, friend and soul mate and survives him in his passing. Mitch was a dairy farmer and a leader in the county's agricultural organizations. He joined the Farm Bureau after he graduated from high school and served as President from 1965-1967 and 1985-1986. He was inducted into the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Hall of Fame in 2002. He took a brief hiatus from leadership positions within the Farm Bureau to serve on the Sonoma Valley Unified School Board for 12 years from 1969 to 1981. His influence stretched from the classroom to the football field, where he anchored a favorite spot in the bleachers each season. Not only did he receive the district's ``Salute to Education'' award but the Sonoma Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame created the Mulas Family Recognition Award in his honor, which is presented annually to persons or businesses in the Sonoma Valley who have contributed time and resources to student athletes and coaches. Mitch was also the ``Chief,'' a title he wore with distinction and pride. In 1942, at the age 14, he helped his father start what later became the Shell-Vista Fire Protection District. He served first as a volunteer firefighter, was named Assistant Chief in 1955 and served in that position until he was named Chief in 1968. He served in that position until his death. Mr. Speaker, Mitch Mulas was a farmer, educator, activist and sports enthusiast who also protected his community for 69 years as a fire fighter. But above all else, he was a devoted family man who is survived by his wife, Nilda, four children, six grandchildren and two great grand children. An entire community mourns his passing, and it is appropriate that we honor him at this time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chef Thomas Aloysius Keller, of Yountville, California on the occasion of being honored by French President Nicolas Sarkozy as a Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. Chef Keller was born at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California to Elizabeth and Edward Keller on October 14, 1955. He is the youngest of five boys. Chef Keller's experience in the restaurant business began when his family moved to Florida. He was studying psychology and working as a dishwasher when his mother asked him to take over as a replacement chef at the restaurant she managed. One summer he was discovered by French-born Roland Henin, who taught Chef Keller the fundamentals of French cuisine. After working at a small French restaurant in the Hudson River Valley in Catskill, New York, he moved to France where he refined his skills through working at Michelin-starred restaurants, including Guy Savoy and Taillevent. He soon returned to the U.S. and opened his first restaurant, Rakel, in 1986. In 1994, Chef Keller took ownership of The French Laundry in Yountville. Built as a saloon in the 1900s and converted to a French steam laundry in the 1920s, the restaurant has commandeered world-wide recognition, having been named ``Best Restaurant in the World'' in 2003 and 2004. It has been awarded three Michelin stars every year since 2006. In 1996 he was named Best Chef in California and in 1997, Best Chef in America by the James Beard Foundation. He now has 8 restaurants and two bakeries in the U.S., among those Bouchon, Ad Hoc, and renowned New York City restaurant, Per Se. Chef Keller's work ethic knows no bounds and the professionalism of his staff is legendary--two of the reasons why his ventures are successful. Chef Keller is also the author of various award winning books, including, ``The French Laundry,'' ``Bouchon,'' ``Under Pressure,'' and the best fried chicken recipe in ``Ad Hoc At Home,'' which was on the New York Times Best Sellers list for 6 weeks. Chef Keller is also very giving of his time to organizations and causes which benefit the Napa Valley. He helps with March of Dimes, City Meals on Wheels, Share our Strength and Auction Napa Valley. He is on the Board of Trustees for the Culinary Institute of America, and is the President of Bocuse d'Or USA. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge my friend Chef Thomas Keller for his extraordinary work and for being only one of three Americans who have been bestowed the honor of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Elizabeth Okerstrom Murguia of Eureka, California on the occasion of her retirement after more than 35 years of extraordinary public service for the people of California's North Coast. Born and raised in beautiful rural Mendocino County, Liz's parents, Merle and Astrid Okerstrom, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the important things in life: family, community, and civic engagement. From age 10 and on, Liz was raising ``Dollars for Democrats'' and serving in student government, paving the way for a long career in public service. Early visits to the Bookmobile growing up nurtured Liz's lifelong passion for books and reading. Graduating from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature in 1972, Liz quickly became a committed and dynamic library advocate. She served on the Humboldt County Library Construction Advisory Committee from 1979 through 1995, playing a central role in raising the funds to construct a new Main Library for the Humboldt County Public Library system. In 1991, she was appointed as a California Delegate to the White House Conference on Libraries in Washington, DC. As Co-Founder and President of the Humboldt Library Foundation since 1996, Liz was the recipient of its distinguished Helen Everett Award in 2006 in recognition of 25 years of tireless work on behalf of public libraries. In 2008, Liz was also appointed to serve on the Library of California Board to ensure that all Californians have access to library resources and services for lifelong learning and enrichment. Following her graduation from college, Liz worked for Zero Population Growth in Washington DC., after which she returned to California and began working for former State Senator and Assemblyman Barry Keene in 1975, where she remained for 18 years. In 1993, I was honored that Liz joined my State Senate staff as District Representative and then my Congressional staff in 1998, serving as my representative for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties in the United States Congress. Throughout the past 18 years, Liz has proven herself to be an invaluable asset, trusted adviser, and cherished friend. She is a creative and effective problem solver with a breadth of knowledge of public policy and local issues relating to health care, education, community development, and working with Native American Tribes. Liz also has a developed expertise in understanding and solving the North Coast's wide range of natural resource issues, including public land management, timber, salmon restoration, and ocean resources. Liz is a masterful writer and fundraiser, well known and deeply respected by the community. Her impact has been far-reaching through her service on many boards and committees such as the Open Door Community Health Clinics Board, Keep Eureka Beautiful Board, St. Joseph's Hospital Advocacy Committee, Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee, Aligning Forces 4 Quality Care Leadership Team, and Timber Heritage Museum Advisory Council. She has also previously served on the North Coast Regional Land Trust Advisory Council, Humboldt Child Care Council, Women's Resources For Work Board, and the North Coast Pro-Choice Pac Board. In 1988, Liz was selected as Democrat of the Year by the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee. Liz is fortunate to be surrounded by a large circle of loving family and lifelong friends. She shared 30 years with the great love of her life, her late husband Sef, with whom she shares four children, Todd, Dana, Adam, and Michael, and nine grandchildren. Liz has a deep appreciation for the arts and music, and is known for her warm and welcoming nature as a hostess of frequent dinner parties, as well as being a passionate gardener, how she spends much of her time. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we acknowledge Elizabeth Okerstrom Murguia for her 35-plus years of dedicated service and extend our best wishes for a well-deserved retirement. She will be greatly missed.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to it.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chairman, if H.R. 658 passes, this 4- year FAA reauthorization bill would devastate rural communities across our great country. This legislation completely phases out the Essential Air Service program, rolls back critical funding needed for airport improvement programs, fails to adequately protect the rights of air passengers, and would cost us close to 70,000 American jobs. The EAS, the Essential Air Service program, is necessary to provide air service into our country's most rural communities. This year alone, 110 rural airports in the continental United States were helped by this important program. These airports, like the one I represent in Crescent City, California, would simply not be in operation if it weren't for the EAS program. This legislation would completely phase out the EAS program for all airports in the Lower 48 by 2014. This would be devastating for small businesses and a public safety disaster. I singled out Crescent City Airport in Del Norte County on the west coast of California because, as we all know, just a couple of weeks ago we had a tsunami. Crescent City, California, was ground zero for that tsunami on the Pacific coast. Crescent City received about $40 million worth of damage. We lost a life. All the roads were closed in and out of the area. The only way to get people in and out--some of those people critical public safety individuals, folks who came in to do assessments and to help out in this devastating time--were through our small airport. If this program is lost, that small airport would not be there for my district and all of the other rural districts across the country. Mr. Chairman, I agree that we've gone too long without a long-term FAA reauthorization bill. However, the bill before us, I believe, would do more harm than good for our aviation system. For that reason, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this bill. I yield to my friend from Illinois.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 45th anniversary of the Humboldt Arts Council in Humboldt County, California. Since 1966, the members of the Humboldt Arts Council (HAC) have been dedicated to promoting Humboldt County's rich artistic heritage. Incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in 1971, HAC is the County's largest multidisciplinary arts organization. The HAC serves as a community leader to provide opportunities for artists of all ages, including the development of art education and partnerships, as well as ensuring accessibility of the arts through innovative and multicultural programs. Beginning in 1996, the Humboldt Arts Council began a successful capital campaign for renovation of the Carnegie Library Building, a historic symbol of community pride and local culture, into a regional art museum and art center. On January 1, 2000, the community ushered in the new millennium by celebrating the grand opening of the Morris Graves Museum of Art. Embarking on its new ``Century of Service'' to the community, the Museum was enthusiastically welcomed and has since been the leading contemporary arts exhibition and performance facility in the area. On the first Saturday of each month, thousands of visitors are welcomed to the Morris Graves Museum of Art and its seven galleries to celebrate local artists during Eureka's Arts Alive. This includes a Courtyard Sculpture Garden, classroom facilities, an Arts Resource Center, a Performance Rotunda, and more. The Humboldt Arts Council will be celebrating its 45th year of advancing the arts in Humboldt County on April 6, 2011. Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we honor the Humboldt Arts Council on the occasion of its 45th anniversary of continuing the rich legacy of the arts on California's North Coast.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1076. Without so much as a single hearing, the legislation being debated today would dismantle a public radio system depended upon by 34 million Americans weekly, many of whom are from rural America. In fact, in many rural areas of our country like the one I represent, public broadcasters are among the few journalists still around who actually deliver local news to residents. One needs to look no further than last week's massive earthquake in Japan and the resulting tsunami that devastated communities on the west coast to understand how important public broadcasting is in these rural areas. A small community in my district, Crescent City, California was hit the hardest. Eight foot waves of water destroyed the city's harbor, caused over $36 million dollars in damage, and took the life of an individual who was swept into the sea. When the tsunami warnings were first issued, KHSU public radio, the most-listened-to station on the North Coast of California, broadcast essential information to the people of Crescent City and the surrounding areas. KHSU was on the air with tsunami warnings by 6 a.m. local time-- telling residents to evacuate the low coastal areas, announcing school closings, and letting people know where emergency shelters were located in both Humboldt and Del Norte counties. KHSU kept up with this information until the warning was lifted later in the afternoon. This critically important local coverage was coupled with breaking news from NPR about the earthquake in Japan, the tsunami warning for the entire west coast, and the science and analysis behind this event and how it can affect us--immediately and in the long run. If H.R. 1076 is passed into law, KHSU would be prohibited from using CPB funds to acquire this necessary programming in the future, even though it was critically important during this local emergency. There is no doubt that public radio's ability to effectively serve rural America will be permanently impaired if this legislation is signed into law. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to protect this critically important resource and vote against H.R. 1076.