Mike Thompson

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anne Lindsay, M.D. and Alan Glaseroff, M.D., two extraordinary citizens of Humboldt County, California who have dedicated their lives to public service. The husband and wife team are being honored by the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee as 2009 Citizens of the Year for one of our nation's most precious rights--participation in the political system. Their commitment to the general health and welfare of the community and to the preservation of our liberty is worthy of appreciation and recognition. Dr. Lindsay has served as the Public Health Officer for the County of Humboldt for the past fifteen years. She is President of the California Conference of Local Health Officers, representing 61 county and city health officers from throughout California. She has demonstrated outstanding and innovative leadership throughout years of public service, tackling some of the nation's most difficult public health issues, from homelessness to communicable disease control. She has been recognized locally and nationally for her exemplary efforts, recognized as the 2nd Senate District 2004 Woman of the Year by the California Legislature and receiving the distinguished California Medical Association 2006 Frederick K. M. Plessner Memorial Award for rural practitioners. Dr. Glaseroff has been the Chief Medical Officer for the Humboldt-Del Norte Independent Physician Association since its inception in 1995 and is the Medical Director for the Foundation for Medical Care. He has led the way locally and nationally in seeking solutions to achieve improved, quality health care. He has distinguished himself as the principal investigator for the Humboldt Diabetes Project and faculty for the statewide diabetes collaborative. He is affiliated with the National Committee for Quality Assurance, is the co-director for the Aligning Forces for Quality Initiative, sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and was named the 2009 Family Physician of the Year by the California Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Glaseroff has dedicated his medical career to finding ways to improve the delivery of health care. These extraordinary individuals have been partners in a rural family medical practice for the past 26 years. They share the happiness of family life with their two children, Rebecca Lindsay, a medical school student and Bruce Lindsay Glaseroff, a teacher. A talented and musical family, Anne and Alan also perform with the Humboldt County blues band, the Back Seat Drivers. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Anne Lindsay and Alan Glaseroff for their unwavering compassion and for their contribution to the ideals and traditions that have made America a nation of hope and achievement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, today we are debating legislation that will establish in law the principle that our country should pay for what it buys. I've been an advocate for Pay-as-you-go legislation, also known as PAYGO, since I was elected to Congress. It just makes sense--we shouldn't spend more money than we have. PAYGO has a long history of success--in the 1990s it helped generate record surpluses. However, when the Clinton administration left office, PAYGO was allowed to expire by the new administration. As a result, the record surpluses were wiped out. We need to restore common sense to the Federal Government. While PAYGO is not a cure-all for deficits, it is a crucial first step toward reducing them. It puts our Nation on the road back to fiscal responsibility and restoring our Nation's fiscal health. And, to make sure that future administration's can't change the PAYGO policy midstream, today we are enacting PAYGO into law.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the great work that this chairman does on behalf of veterans. He's a true friend and has done so much for so many veterans, and I appreciate that. Mr. Chairman, I just want you to know that I went to college on the GI Bill, and I voted for the Post-9/11 GI Bill with my experience in the GI Bill and in school and what it did for me in mind. And I did so to ensure that all veterans would have the same access to this great educational opportunity that I had. Unfortunately, today in California, California veterans are being denied this important chance to get the college education so that they can have a better future. According to the Department of Veterans Administration, veterans living in California are entitled to zero dollars toward their private tuition bill, simply because California charges ``fees,'' not ``tuition,'' to attend college. So because zero ``tuition'' is charged in California, according to the VA's tortured logic, zero tuition can be paid to veterans seeking to attend private schools in California. This simple semantic difference means that nearly 5,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans residing in California, veterans who served our Nation honorably, are not eligible to receive financial assistance to attend the college of their choice. This is unlike every other Iraq and Afghanistan veteran in the other 49 States. My California colleagues and I sent a letter to the VA requesting the Department fix this issue administratively. Six weeks later--6 weeks later they sent a two-paragraph response denying--denying our request. This is not fair to our veterans, and Congress should not stand by as these brave men and women are denied the benefits they have earned. I'd now like to yield to my colleague from California (Mr. McKeon).

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, on July 9, 2009, I was unavoidably unable to cast my vote for rollcall 512. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, on June 19, 2009, I was unavoidably unable to cast my vote for rollcall 418. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I want to add that this should not be about choosing one job or one person's job over the job of another person. As I mentioned earlier, many, many fishing families on the north coast of California and the coast of Oregon have been displaced. We have lost boats, lost businesses, lost fortunes, lost opportunities, and all because the science was scrapped. The last administration pushed forward a water policy that was illegal, that didn't pay any attention to anything other than politics. In the Klamath River in my district, that water policy brought us 80,000 dead spawning salmon. It absolutely closed the fishing season on the north coast. It's closed again this year. It's closed on the Oregon coast. And it's all because politics was put ahead of science. You can't do business that way. The only way to fix this is to bring all of the agencies together, working on the science, to come up with the mitigation that will work to save jobs not only in the valley, but on the coast and everywhere else. I ask that we vote against this terrible amendment and work together. Amendment No. 111 Offered by Mrs. Blackburn

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Chair and Members, I understand the frustration of my friends from the Valley on this issue. I've been living it in my district. The last administration devastated the fishing families of the north coast. We haven't had a fishing season up there in years. Again this year it's closed. And it's all because science was put aside in favor of politics. Finally we have science coming in. Science should be allowed to be considered. And as one of the previous speakers, Mr. Miller, has mentioned, this amendment does absolutely the wrong thing. Not only does it take science off the table again, which led us, in part, to this problem and put the courts in control of these rivers, but it also limits our opportunities to address the overall problem. Without the Federal agencies at the table being able to bring different options to solve this problem not only for the Valley families but for the coastal families as well, we're limited, and it's not going to bring any answers forward. It is a mistake to pass this amendment. It won't solve the problem. It will just exacerbate the situation.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Rear Admiral Bennett ``Bud'' Sparks, who passed away May 22 after a lifetime of service to our country in the Coast Guard. Admiral Sparks' dedication to our country and his devotion to his family and his community deserve the highest commendation. Admiral Sparks was born on October 10, 1925, and enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserve in 1942. His service spanned the globe and he saw action in the Atlantic, Pacific and European theaters of operations while flying as a combat aircrewman on both antisubmarine and air-sea rescue missions. After the War, he transferred to the active Coast Guard, where he received a field promotion to ensign in 1957 after having served in all enlisted ranks through chief petty officer. He later flew mapping missions over Alaska from 1946 to 1957 for the Coast Guard and as a civilian. In 1966 he took up his first of nine consecutive commands over 23 years. During this time, he served as commanding officer of four Coast Guard Units, three Coast Guard Groups and two U.S. Navy Maritime Defense Zone Sectors. He attained flag rank in 1985, and received his second star in 1987. Throughout his career, Admiral Sparks received numerous decorations for his service. Among them are the Navy Distinguished Public Service medal, two Coast Guard Distinguished Public Service medals, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service medal, two Coast Guard commendation medals, the Coast Guard Achievement medal, the Arctic Service medal and, of course, his Coast Guard Combat Air Crew Wings. Admiral Sparks was also a dedicated advocate for other reserve officers, fellow veterans and his community. He has served as both president of the Reserve Officer's Association of the United States-- the first Coast Guard officer to hold this position--and as Chief of the U.S. Delegation to the Inter-Allied Confederation of Reserve Officers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He also chaired the California Veterans Board, where he worked tirelessly to ensure and enhance the rights and benefits of California Veterans, and was active on the board of the North Bay Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association of Northern California and Nevada. However, perhaps the most enduring legacy of Admiral Sparks will be as the devoted husband of his wife Betty and as a loving father and grandfather. He is survived by four of his children; Bennett Jr., James, John and Julieann, his sister Doris, as well as his 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Madam Speaker, it is fitting at this time that we honor the life, service and memory of Admiral Sparks. His dedication to his country, his family and community are a testament to a great man who will long be remembered by those who knew him. We are lucky to have had him as a neighbor, a friend and an inspiration.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Representative Lynn Woolsey, to honor and recognize Lynn Morton-Weil, who is retiring after more than 21 years of service to the people of Sonoma County. During her tenure as a county employee, Ms. Morton-Weil worked in six departments as well as serving as personal assistant to three county supervisors, Tim Smith, Mike Cale and currently, Valerie Brown. As such, she embodies much of the Board's institutional memory. In addition to her official duties, she helped establish the Sonoma County Regional Park Foundation and served as its first Executive Director. She also administered the first Community Partnerships for Youth grant, which included developing the application process, contract and monitoring criteria and served as Project Director of the Sonoma County Juvenile Prevention Commission. Recognizing the importance of public service and involvement, she has dedicated countless hours to both candidates and causes. She takes pride in living in a television-free household, so her retirement hours will be filled with her passions: gardening, hiking, cycling, music, theatre, dance and most especially, her friends, family and her eagerly anticipated English springer spaniel puppy. Madam Speaker, Lynn Morton-Weil has served her community and her county well for much of her adult life. It is therefore appropriate that we honor her for her public service and wish her well on her retirement.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the many contributions made by my good friend, Michaela Rodeno, to the California wine industry and to Napa County. After serving 20 years as CEO of St. Supery Vineyards and Winery, Ms. Rodeno is retiring to become the winery's first CEO Emeritus. Ms. Rodeno began her career in the wine industry in 1972 as the first female tour guide at Beaulieu Vineyard in Rutherford. She quickly capitalized on her college major in French Literature by impressing the first French wine company to invest in California with her linguistic skills. She became the second employee hired at Domaine Chandon, which quickly became one of Napa County's premier wineries. Ms. Rodeno remained with Domaine Chandon for 15 years, advancing to the position of Vice President of Marketing. While there, she developed one of the first winery ``clubs'' in the industry, which eventually grew to more than 100,000 members. While at Domain Chandon, she also earned her MBA at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1988 she was offered the position of CEO at St. Supery, another French-backed winery. St. Supery Vineyards and Winery is known for its innovations in winemaking and its commitment to consumer education and their Napa Valley Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and meritage blends, Elu and Virtu, have earned critical acclaim and many awards. A true pioneering woman in the wine industry, Ms. Rodeno was one of the original cofounders of Women for WineSense, a national organization promoting wine as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. She is a founding director of the Wine Marketing Council, has chaired the Meritage Association and the Napa Valley Wine Auction and has also served on the boards of the Wine Institute and the Napa Valley Vintners. She and her husband, Greg, live on a 25 acre ranch near Oakville planted in Sauvignon Blanch and Pinot Grigio grapes and also own another 40 acres planted in Bordeaux varieties in Pope Valley. Although nearly all of the family's grapes are sold to Napa Valley vineries, they do produce a small amount of Sangiovese under their own Villa Ragazzi label. Madam Speaker, it is fitting at this time that we honor Michaela Rodeno today for her many accomplishments. She has had a distinguished career in the wine industry and will be long remembered for her many contributions and innovations. We wish her all the best, and I am proud to call her my friend.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise with sadness today to honor Albin Gruhn of San Anselmo, California, who passed away March 18 at the age of 94. Mr. Gruhn was a respected and beloved labor leader and consumer rights activist whose calling was the welfare of the working people of California. His 36 years as president of the California Labor Federation and his role as a founder of the Association of California Consumers were at the heart of a remarkable career. Mr. Gruhn was born in Eureka, California, in 1915. At the age of 19 he began working for the Hammond Lumber Co. where he joined the Sawmill and Loggers Federal Union. A strike shortly afterwards resulted in the deaths of three union picketers and deeply affected him, resulting in a life-long commitment to the labor movement. He was also blacklisted as a result of his participation in the strike but soon found employment in construction, joining the Laborers Local where his membership continued for over 60 years. At the age of 22, he became secretary of the Central Labor Council of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties and led that council for over 20 years. In 1940 Mr. Gruhn was first elected to what is now the California Labor Federation as district vice president and became its president in 1960. He led with skill, enthusiasm, and passion until his retirement in 1996. He helped build the organization into a strong and effective advocacy group for the rights of workers, inspiring several generations of political and labor leaders along the way. During the 1960s, Mr. Gruhn was also a founder of the Association of California Consumers, California's first consumer group, and later became a founding officer and then president emeritus of the Consumer Federation of California. He also devoted some of his considerable energies to the California Apprenticeship Council and the California Constitution Revision Commission as well as serving on various state commissions. These were appointments over the decades by five California governors and covered a variety of issues from fair housing to air pollution. One of the commissions dealt with children and youth, reflecting his deep involvement in the annual scholarship program established by the California Labor Federation. Mr. Gruhn was always politically active as a means of supporting the causes he believed in. From campaigning for Franklin Roosevelt at the age of 17 to serving as an Adlai Stevenson delegate in 1956, he stayed engaged in the process. In 1944, he founded the Northern California AFL Political League. Mr. Gruhn was married to the former Dorothy Coon for over 37 years. Dorothy predeceased him in 2005, and the couple are survived by a large family of eight children, 14 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Madam Speaker, Albin Gruhn was proud to fight for working people, and all those with whom he came in contact--from family and friends to political leaders and co-workers--drew inspiration from his commitment. It is fitting in honoring him today to remember the remarks he always used to conclude his labor speeches: ``In unity there is strength. United we stand, divided we fall. An injury to one is an injury to all.''

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I, along with my colleague Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, rise today to honor a dedicated and beloved advocate for preserving agriculture and the environment in Sonoma County, California. Andrea Mackenzie is leaving the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, and we celebrate her 12 productive years, especially the last eight years as General Manager. Andrea was born in upstate New York and grew up in Los Angeles. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Master's Degree in Urban Planning and Natural Resources from the University of California at Los Angeles. With her love of both the coast and the rugged mountains of the High Sierra, it is no surprise that Andrea worked for over 25 years in land use and conservation-related positions, including the East Bay and San Francisco where she began to develop a focus on collaborative public/ private projects and regional approaches. She also loves walkable communities, old barns, hiking and kayaking, country rock, and nature writers. Andrea first served the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District as project manager for the strategic conservation plan update, creating documents that have become models for other public land conservation agencies. In 2000, she was appointed General Manager by the Board of Supervisors. The mission of the District is to ``permanently protect the diverse agricultural, natural resource and scenic open space lands of Sonoma County for future generations.'' Funded by a quarter-cent sales tax, it is the only such district in the state of California and is overwhelmingly supported by Sonoma County's residents. Andrea helped direct the 2006 campaign to renew the sales tax, which passed overwhelmingly. Voters value the organization's mission and its programs including: matching grants to partner with local cities and agencies for land acquisition, preservation and enhancement; stewardship in managing these lands and various easements to protect them, as well as to allow for public access; land leases to local growers; and public and educational outings, including a focus on underserved populations. Andrea has played a key role in developing these programs as well as increasing the amount of open space from 25,000 acres to 75,000 acres (including 33,000 acres of farmland). In 2007, in testament to Andrea's management, the District was selected for the National Leadership in Conservation Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Trust for Public Land in Washington, D.C. She was also one of 36 Fellows selected to participate in the National Conservation Leadership Institute program, is a member of the Executive Committee and future President of the Bay Area Open Space Council and served on both the Urban Rural Roundtable (formed by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom to create a Bay Area Regional Food System) and on the Statewide Watershed Advisory Committee. Madam Speaker, Andrea Mackenzie's combination of visionary and practical leadership has made the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District a vital player in our community. Sonoma County could have gone the way of other growing counties in California with sprawl from end to end. Instead, it remains blessed with green open space, productive agriculture, and many unique and intact ecosystems. We thank her for her great contributions to our children's natural inheritance and wish her luck in her new position where she will be continuing her good work closer to her family.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Andrew Hoxsey, who is being honored this evening by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers as their Grower of the Year. Mr. Hoxsey is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the wine grape industry and the larger community of the Napa Valley. Each year, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers bestows their most prestigious award to a Napa grower who has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable practices; recognized leadership in the agricultural preservation; dedicated community focus, contributing to the Napa Valley community through their time, resources, and personal commitments; and someone who actively promotes Napa's reputation for the highest quality vineyards. Grapegrowers in the Napa Valley are continuously at the forefront of organic and sustainable agricultural practices, and Mr. Hoxsey is no exception. He is one of the preeminent organic farmers in the entire Napa Valley. Mr. Hoxsey is a fourth generation Napa Valley farmer who received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and Business Management at the University of California at Davis. He went on to serve as an officer in the United States Air Force Reserve from 1983 to 1993. He is currently President of Yount Mill Vineyards in Yountville and Managing Partner of the Napa Wine Company. Mr. Hoxsey's position as Managing Partner of one of Napa's premier wine companies is only the beginning of his extensive industry and community involvement. Andrew has served as Chairman of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and President of the Yountville Appellation Association. He has also held memberships on the Napa Valley and California Grapegrowers Boards of Directors, as well as Napa Valley Vintners Association, Oakville Winegrowers Association, American Vineyard Foundation and Napa Valley Farm Bureau. Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we thank Mr. Andrew Hoxsey for the incredible work he has done on behalf of the Napa Valley. As a respected grape grower he has advanced the reputation of Napa Valley grapes and wine, and has been a model citizen and superb steward of the land. I join his wife, Nancy and two daughters in wishing him continued success and fulfillment.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, who lived his final days at Ridgewood Ranch in my congressional district. Today Seabiscuit is being honored by the release of a United States Postal Service commemorative stamped envelope. This thoroughbred race horse is noteworthy for uplifting the spirit of the nation, for tenacity in the face of adversity and for the beautiful and benevolent ranch where he spent his last years. Described as a ``smallish horse with an ungainly stride'' Seabiscuit grew to be a champion. His owners Marcela and Charles Howard purchased the 16,000 acre Ridgewood Ranch just south of the town of Willits along Highway 101 in Mendocino County in 1919. During the Great Depression in the 1930s Seabiscuit became a national favorite and a symbol of hope. The American public cheered him and themselves as he beat the odds winning 33 of his 89 career races. He has been the subject of books, movies and countless articles. His crowning achievement happened in 1938 when Seabiscuit beat the Triple Crown winner War Admiral. This victory is commemorated on the new stamped envelope. Over the years Seabiscuit recovered from injuries and recuperated at Ridgewood Ranch, drawing up to 50,000 visitors, who made their way to this rural northern California retreat until his death in 1947. Upon his retirement from racing Seabiscuit was horse racing's all-time leading money winner. He sired 109 foals and his stud barn has been carefully restored by the local Rotary Club with help from the Willits Chamber of Commerce and the Mendocino County Museum. He was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1958. The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation protects and preserves the historic buildings and extraordinary natural resources of the surviving 5,000 acres of Ridgewood Ranch. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has identified the habitat as one of America's most endangered historic places. The Ranch hosts a therapeutic horseback riding program for the developmentally disabled. Christ's Church of the Golden Rule has owned the ranch since 1962. It generously hosts visitors to Seabiscuit's barn, walking tours of the ranch and fundraising benefits for such causes as rescue and aid for injured and retired thoroughbred race horses. Madam Chair and colleagues, I am pleased to enter these remarks into the Congressional Record honoring the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, the Heritage Foundation and Ridgewood Ranch. Let us salute their continuing legacy of historic preservation, environmental conservation and public education.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Professor Ed DePeters, the 2009 recipient of the University of California, Davis Prize for Undergraduate Teaching and Scholarly Achievement. This $40,000 prize, first awarded in 1987, is believed to be the largest undergraduate teaching award in the nation. The prize is awarded to scholars who are successful not only in their research, but convey their excitement and love of scholarship to their students. Professor DePeters, or ``Dr. D'' as students call him, is an animal scientist and expert in dairy cow nutrition, but his hallmark at UC Davis is imparting his knowledge and passion for these subjects to his students. Growing up on a farm in upstate New York, Professor DePeters developed an interest in animal agriculture that led him to Cornell University for a bachelor's degree in animal science. He went on to Penn State for a master's degree in dairy science, but instead of returning home as he had planned, he continued his studies and earned his doctoral degree in dairy science, which led him to a faculty position at UC Davis. Professor DePeters' research focuses on how the composition of milk, particularly the fatty-acid content, can be modified by changes in the cow's diet, and how agricultural byproducts such as almond hulls and cottonseed can be converted into nutritious feeds. His research has resulted in more than 120 scientific publications and is widely influential in the industry. Notwithstanding his research achievements, Professor DePeters' energy and personal concern have stood out in the minds of his students. Their reviews are peppered with comments like ``very enthusiastic'' . . . ``really knows his material'' . . . ``very approachable'' . . . ``incredible teacher'' . . . ``funny and gifted'' . . . ``the most motivated and dedicated teacher'' . . . ``a great guy and awesome professor'' . . . ``I love this class; it's top priority.'' He teaches a lower-division course in livestock production and upper-division courses in dairy cattle production and animal feeds and nutrition. Professor DePeters makes a point of learning students' names, and he takes pictures of each student and carries the pictures around with him until he has learned them all. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time for us to acknowledge and thank Professor Ed DePeters for his years of exemplary work as a scholar and educator, and to congratulate him on receiving this well- deserved award. His commitment to inspiring and educating students has been unwavering, and he deserves our congratulations.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Raymond Sercu, a great leader in the community of Napa Valley. Mr. Sercu is being honored by Napa Valley Product Services Industry for his many contributions to developmentally disabled adults in the Napa Valley. Mr. Sercu was born in Buffalo, New York and served in the United States Air Force for two years before coming to California for post- graduate work at UC Berkeley and San Jose State. He worked as Area Manager for National Cash Register from 1954 to 1965 before beginning his distinguished tenure with Vallerga's Markets of Napa in 1965. Mr. Sercu's time as President of one of Napa's premier small businesses is only the beginning of his extensive community involvement. Ray has served as Chairman of Queen of the Valley Hospital's Board of Trustees, the Northern California Grocers Association, Retail Marketing Services and the Napa County 4-H Sponsorship Committee. He has also served as President of the Napa Valley Economic Development Corporation, and in the Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce among many others. He is a Rotarian and lifetime PTA member who was appointed to the Napa City Council from 1999 to 2001. Of particular note on this occasion is Ray's service to developmentally disabled adults as Chairman of the Product Services Industry Board of Directors and President of North Bay Developmental Disabilities Services. Throughout his career, Mr. Sercu has earned the continued admiration of all who have worked with him. His colleagues and friends describe Ray as one of the kindest, most generous people they have ever met, someone who would give the shirt off his back to make the community a better place. Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize Ray Sercu for his many years of service. He has been a model citizen and leader in the Napa Valley and his presence has enriched the lives of everyone in our community. I join his wife Jenny and six children in thanking Ray for a distinguished lifetime of service and wishing him continued success and fulfillment.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your kind words and for recognizing me on this bill. Mr. Speaker and Members, I'm here today to speak in strong support of this measure, H.R. 1580. As the chairman noted, I've been involved in this subject of electronic waste or e-waste since I first came to Congress. And I want to applaud the chairman and the Science Committee's work and their interest on this very, very important issue. Chairman Gordon has been a strong leader on e-waste issues and has helped to move this issue forward. Electronic product technology is moving at a very, very fast pace, but at the same time, it's creating an ever-growing environmental and waste disposal problem. That's because it's often cheaper or sometimes cooler to buy a new PC or a new cell phone than to upgrade an old one. Today, the average life span of a computer is only 2 years, and Americans are disposing of 3,000 tons of computers every day. These discarded items, more often than not, wind up in landfills in developing countries where the waste is a terrible environmental problem. A recent GAO study found that most e-waste exported from the U.S. is dismantled under unsafe conditions, often by children, using methods like open-air incineration and acid baths to extract component metals. This puts people at risk and makes e-waste a moral issue, a moral hazard as well. The bill we are considering today will achieve two important and necessary goals. First, it will establish grant programs to fund studies to evaluate how to make electronic equipment easier to recycle on the front end. Second, it will train our Nation's engineering students in ``green design.'' This important legislation will lay an important piece of the foundation for comprehensive e-waste legislation in the future. Truly, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If obsolete computers and other such items can be diverted from the waste stream at the outset, half of our battle will already have been won. Again, I thank the chairman and the committee for their good work. I urge swift passage of this measure.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the American Association of University Women of Napa County on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of their founding. AAUW-Napa County has done visionary work to serve the community as well as fulfill their charter of advancing justice and equality for women. Over 80 years ago, inaugural President Stella Linscott and a band of determined Napans started the AAUW Napa County branch with the goal of promoting equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. This organization that began as a response to sexism and discrimination in our society has become a pillar of our community. Their endless contributions to the Napa Valley over the years include annual scholarships for local women, voter education forums, the Adopt- A-Road program and contributions to AAUW's Legal Advocacy Fund and Educational Foundations. The Napa County Branch of AAUW is an important component of a statewide organization that has played a crucial role in finally achieving gender equity in college enrollment in California. Madam Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we thank AAUW-Napa County for the remarkable work they have done for everyone in our County. It is through the hard work and generous contributions of many members of our community that this branch has thrived for the past 80 years, and I know that we will continue to see progress for many years to come.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Thank you very much.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Yes.

Mr. THOMPSON of California. I thank the chairman for all the good work he's done on this bill and ask that we enter into a colloquy on this bill on the Trinity River. Mr. Chairman, as you know, the Trinity River is the largest contributory to the Klamath River and is key to helping restore salmon and steelhead stocks along the entire Pacific coast. The Federal Government has a responsibility to the Hoopa Valley Indian Tribe and to the sport and commercial fishers to restore the fisheries of this great and important river. I respectfully request the chairman's cooperation in working with the new administration and the Appropriations Committee to help secure the adequate funding needed to restore the Trinity River to ameliorate any lost costs associated with the implementation of the San Joaquin River Settlement that is within this bill.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague, Lynn Woolsey, to recognize Elizabeth Kemp, who has been named the City of Sonoma's 2009 Alcaldessa, or Honorary Mayor. The title, ``Alcalde'' or ``Alcaldessa'' when referring to a woman, is the Spanish word for ``Mayor.'' During the Spanish colonial period in California, the Alcalde was the primary civil authority. In modern times in the City of Sonoma, it is an honorary title and the contemporary Alcalde or Alcaldessa presides over ceremonial events for the city. Alcaldes and Alcaldessas are nominated by the community and are representative of individuals with a long record of volunteer work. Ms. Kemp is no exception to this rule. Ms. Kemp attributes her community activism to her early years in London during WW II. That experience led her to be aware of the needs of others and to an understanding that anyone's circumstances can change in a matter of minutes. She emigrated from England when she was 21 and has lived in Sonoma since 1969. In 2000, Ms. Kemp recognized that many migrant workers had no place to live and were sleeping under bridges. She helped to organize one temporary camp, then joined with Vineyard Workers Services to create two more camps that are open during harvest. She currently serves as President of the Board of Directors of Vineyard Workers Services. Ms. Kemp initiated the Brown Bagger program in 2004. The program prepares and distributes more than 180 nutritious lunches each week to the homeless and others who are unable to purchase food. This past summer, Ms. Kemp organized a group of volunteers to provide bag lunches to students who normally receive free lunches at school when school is in session and to their younger siblings. As a member of the Board of Directors of Sonoma Overnight Support, Ms. Kemp has also been involved in the development of the first permanent homeless shelter in Sonoma. And, lest we think her interests are only parochial, Ms. Kemp is an active member of Friends of Turkana, a local group that raises funds for two medical missions in East Africa. Madam Speaker, Elizabeth Kemp is a beloved and vitally important member of the community and it is appropriate that we acknowledge her today as Sonoma's Alcaldessa for 2009.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam, Speaker, I rise today to recognize JoAline Olson, who is leaving after 12 years of invaluable service as the distinguished CEO of St. Helena Hospital. Mrs. Olson is to be commended for her incredible achievements and outstanding contributions to the well-being of the Napa Valley and beyond. Mrs. Olson's career with St. Helena Hospital began over 23 years ago. Under her leadership, the hospital has been recognized as one of the top 100 cardiovascular hospitals in the country. The hospital was also named St. Helena Chamber of Commerce 2008 Family Friendly Business of the Year, among numerous other awards. Mrs. Olson personally was given the 2002 Adventist Community Life Award and named North Bay Businesswoman of the Year in 2001. Mrs. Olson is known in the community for her commitment to quality, whole person care and the patient experience. She is responsible for starting Napa Valley Hospice, the first hospice program in Napa County for terminally ill patients. She also brought hospitals in St. Helena and Clearlake together under one governing board, improving coordination and quality of care for patients at both hospitals. She has been instrumental in raising $28 million to build a new regional cancer center that will offer communities access to state of the art cancer treatments. Madam Speaker and colleagues, it is appropriate at this time that we thank JoAline Olson for her years of dedication and service on behalf of the residents of Napa and Lake counties. She has been a role model for anyone who strives to give back to his or her community. I join her husband David and their two daughters, Amanda and Monica, in thanking JoAline and wishing her the best of luck in her new position.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, investing in children's health care is one of the best investments our country can make. When kids see the doctor more regularly, they receive the preventive services that keep them healthier for longer. And they're less likely to end up in the emergency room, which saves everyone money. The State Children's Health Insurance Program has been an extraordinary success. Over 1.5 million children in my home State of California get their health care through this program. However, today, we still have 1.25 million uninsured kids in California. That is unacceptable in the United States of America. This bill will begin to address that tragedy by providing health care for almost 700,000 additional children in California alone. As a down payment toward health care reform, this legislation will reduce the percentage of uninsured children, just in California, by 55 percent. Our children deserve a healthy start. And this legislation ensures that 4 million more children across the country will get just that. I ask for your ``aye'' vote.

Mr. THOMPSON of California

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, to honor one of our districts' most hard-working public servants, Mike Reilly of Forestville, California, who has recently retired from the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. For twelve years as County Supervisor, Mike represented Sonoma County's 5th District, a vast rambling, and fantastically beautiful place that encompasses the entire 53 miles of Sonoma County's coast, redwood forests, vineyards, the Russian River, and the western edge of our largest city, Santa Rosa. Known as ``West County,'' the 5th District is Sonoma County's most progressive with a vibrant and diverse population of ethnicity, sexual orientation and economic backgrounds. Mike Reilly, with his intelligence, people skills and encyclopedic knowledge of politics represented every one of his constituencies. Mike is a Bay Area native born on May 27, 1944 in San Mateo, California. Always interested in politics, his first office was senior class president at Hayward High and later, student body president at Chabot College. Mike was an Army volunteer and served two years in Okinawa. The young veteran returned to the Bay Area after completing his tour of duty and began working as a youth counselor. He became one of the founders and eventually Executive Director of the Hayward-based Project Eden, a non-profit organization that offered drug counseling to the city's ``street kids.'' In 1977, Mike moved to Sonoma County to begin working for the county's drug and alcohol program, again as a counselor to youth. Mike settled in Forestville and soon became active in west county politics, no doubt influenced by his neighbor, Ernie Carpenter, who became the 5th District Supervisor in 1978. From 1981 to 1985, Mike served as Administrative Assistant to state Assemblyman Dan Hauser, whose 1st District ran from Sonoma County to the Oregon border. During his tenure with Hauser, Mike was a key player in the designation of the Lost Coast Sinkyone Wilderness Area for public use, drafting initial legislation banning oil and gas development in Northern California state waters, the restoration of the Point Arena Pier, and regional issues pertaining to fishing and timber extraction. In 1986 Mike Reilly became Executive Director of West County Community Services, a non-profit that grew from a 70's era all volunteer ``River Switchboard,'' to an organization offering a variety of services for people of all ages. Under Mike's leadership, West County Community Services developed an excellent drug and alcohol abuse programs, led in the establishment of the Russian River Senior Center and the Sebastopol Teen Center and opened a homeless shelter. For thirteen years, Mike also served as a trustee for the Forestville Elementary School District and the West County High School District. When Supervisor Carpenter announced his retirement from public office in 1995, Mike Reilly embarked on a grueling eighteen month campaign to successfully succeed him. Mike's hard fought campaign and subsequent service allowed him to coast to two unopposed re-election victories in the years ahead. These were not years without challenges, however, including huge floods on the lower Russian River in 1997 and 1999, years of underfunded services in rural areas and the heavily urbanized Roseland area in the district, and a sometimes lonely role as an environmental advocate on the Board of Supervisors. Despite these difficulties Mike was able to forge agreements that led to county support of home elevation program on the flood prone Russian River, the formation of the Russian River Redevelopment District, and ordinances regulating forest conversions and vineyard grading, as well as untangling hundreds of county problems for his constituents. Mike was also a powerful presence on the County's Open Space and Agricultural Preservation District, and instrumental in protecting thousands of acres of land under county ownership or conservation easements. During the same 12 years, Mike also served on the California Coastal Commission, including two years as the Commission's Chair. He has been recognized by statewide environmental groups as having the strongest conservation record of any of the publically elected members of the Commission. I would also note that Mike Reilly is a key player in moving forward the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act, a bill that would provide permanent protection for the entire Sonoma Coast. Mike led successful efforts to endorse the bill by both the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors and the California Coastal Commission. With our new Administration these efforts will result in passage. This year Mike is celebrating another 12-year anniversary, his marriage to Judi, which took place on January 25, 1997, in a home in Guerneville in the midst of a flood emergency. Mike and Judi, their three daughters, Kimberly, Sheri and Kelly, as well as Kelly's husband Stewart and their son, Stetson, and Sheri's fiance, Will, make up a loving and supportive family with great political energy and philosophies. Although Mike has retired from the Board of Supervisors, we will not let him leave us. He continues to serve as a board member of Coastwalk, California's unique coastal education program and on New Ways to Work, a national non-profit that is finding ways to train youth for the new economy. Knowing of Mike's energy, his intelligence and his savvy, his can-do attitude, we expect that although Mike will be able to play more golf now, he will continue to exert his powerful and positive influence on our community and our world.